TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s hotels are adapting to a new policy that took effect on Jan. 1 aimed at reducing plastic waste, though the ban on single-use amenities has sparked mixed reactions from guests.
New regulations ban hotels and lodging businesses from offering disposable toiletries like toothbrushes and razors or displaying them in public areas. Additionally, they are prohibited from offering bottled toiletries smaller than 180 ml, with potential fines for violations, per CNA.
The Ministry of Environment estimates the policy will eliminate over 460 million single-use plastic bottles annually. This will lead to a 2,100-metric-ton decrease in plastic waste and a 2,500-metric-ton reduction in carbon emissions each year.
Switching from small bottles to larger, refillable containers for toiletries is expected to lower overall plastic consumption by about 30%.
Nearly a month after implementation, the public response remains divided, with supporters comparing the policy to Taiwan’s restrictions on disposable tableware. Others appreciate that essential items remain available upon request.
Critics argue the change is inconvenient, with some questioning why five-star hotels no longer provide basic amenities. Complaints such as “A five-star hotel with no toothbrush?” and “Bringing all my own supplies is a major hassle” have surfaced online.
Some guests believe hotels should pass along the cost savings in the form of lower room rates. Others have raised concerns about the potential impact on Taiwan’s domestic tourism industry.
Early resistance to shifting attitudes
While hoteliers acknowledge initial pushback, they remain committed to the initiative.
FDC International Hotels Corp. Chair Sheng Chih-jen (盛治仁) said the company began phasing out single-use amenities at some of its properties in 2018. It also installed water dispensers and provided guests with reusable glass bottles, eliminating approximately 360,000 plastic bottles annually.
The transition to larger, refillable toiletry containers has further reduced plastic waste by two million bottles each year.
Sheng acknowledged that the initial implementation of the policy faced challenges. Guests expressed concerns about the absence of disposable amenities, particularly in luxury hotels.
To address these concerns, the company significantly invested in staff training programs, aiming to enhance communication with guests and effectively convey the environmental sustainability advantages of the new regulations.
In 2022, 90% of online comments were negative, but by 2023, 40% of guests supported the changes. Sheng sees this as a sign of growing environmental awareness among consumers.
Infrastructure enhancements for improved guest experience
Grand Hyatt Taipei Operations Director Fang Chun-hsiang (方俊翔) emphasized the importance of supporting infrastructure to help guests adjust. The hotel has installed additional water dispensers and improved signage to make refills more convenient, ensuring that sustainability efforts do not come at the expense of guest comfort.
As of 2025, Grand Hyatt Taipei has also stopped providing bottled water for banquet events. While the initiative is expected to reduce procurement costs by 5%, investing in additional water dispensers across its 850-room property represents a significant capital expense.
Fang acknowledged that there are no immediate cost savings associated with the policy and that it requires a period of adjustment. However, the hotel remains committed to green initiatives, including pursuing sustainable building certification.
Meanwhile, Regent Taipei fully transitioned to large refillable toiletry containers in June 2024 and stopped providing disposable in-room amenities as of Jan. 1. Staff now notify guests via email and verbal reminders before check-in, encouraging them to bring their own toiletries.
Regent emphasized that this approach allows guests to prepare accordingly. It also underscores the hotel's commitment to environmental conservation, inspiring guests to actively participate in the initiative.
