Oregon Advances Sweeping Plastic Reduction Bill Targeting Takeout Accessories and Hotel Amenities
SALEM, Ore. — Oregon lawmakers took a significant step Tuesday to curb plastic waste by passing a bill that expands the state’s pioneering 2019 plastic restrictions. Senate Bill 551, approved by a 22-8 vote, now sets its sights on single-use utensils, condiment packets, and hotel toiletries—marking one of the nation’s most ambitious efforts to tackle plastic pollution beyond grocery bags and straws.
Key Provisions of the Legislation
If enacted, the bill would implement phased bans starting in 2026:
July 2026:
Restaurants and food vendors must cease automatically providing plastic utensils, single-serve condiment packets (ketchup, soy sauce, creamer, etc.), and thicker plastic takeout bags currently exempt from Oregon’s original bag ban.
Businesses may only distribute these items upon customer request.
July 2027:
Hotels and short-term rentals prohibited from offering miniature plastic bottles of shampoo, soap, or lotion.
Proponents argue the measure closes loopholes in Oregon’s 2019 law, which slashed grocery plastic bag use by 90% but allowed restaurants and retailers to continue offering sturdier plastic bags.
Coastal Concerns Drive Bipartisan Support
Four Republicans joined Democrats in backing the bill, including Sen. David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford), whose district includes prime Pacific coastline. “Every beach walk reveals plastic debris—bags, utensils, even hotel toiletry bottles,” he said. “Our fishing and paper industries see this as a win: cleaner waters for salmon and new markets for recyclable packaging.”
Sen. Todd Nash (R-Enterprise), representing inland timber country, cited economic opportunities: “Reducing plastic reliance aligns with our push for sustainable wood-based alternatives.”
Critics: “Nanny State” Overreach or Missed Priorities?
Opponents, including Sen. Noah Robinson (R-Cave Junction), criticized the bill as government overreach: “The issue isn’t plastic—it’s littering. Educate people, don’t punish businesses.”
Sen. Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer) quipped, “My dogs will miss licking kung pao chicken sauce from leaky containers. Plastic bags at least contain the mess.”
Next Steps and National Implications
The bill now moves to Oregon’s House. If passed, the state would join California in banning hotel mini-toiletries and become the first to restrict condiment packets statewide.
Environmental groups applaud the move. The Ocean Conservancy reports that single-use food packaging accounts for 42% of beach plastic waste in the Pacific Northwest, while hotel mini-bottles contribute over 200 million discarded plastics annually nationwide.
Broader Context
Oregon’s 2040 Zero Plastic Waste Initiative underpins the legislation. “This isn’t about eliminating convenience,” said Sen. Janeen Sollman (D-Hillsboro), the bill’s chief sponsor. “It’s about rethinking a system where 40% of plastics are used once and linger for centuries.”
A 2025 state audit found that less than 9% of Oregon’s plastic waste is recycled, with the rest landfilled or scattered as litter.
