One encouraging trend we heard about at HOSPACE is that many hotel brands (especially in the UK and Europe) are phasing out single-use plastic toiletries in favor of bulk refillable dispensers. This shift is often celebrated as a sustainable win – and indeed, replacing hundreds of tiny bottles with wall-mounted pumps can significantly cut plastic waste in guest rooms[13]. Major chains and even regulations are pushing this forward (with EU rules set to ban many single-use plastics by 2030, action is no longer optional)[14]. Refillable solutions align with both cost savings and waste reduction, making them a popular choice for eco-conscious hoteliers.

However, our conversations at HOSPACE revealed that this “refillable revolution” comes with blind spots that are often overlooked. Behind the scenes, bulk dispensers rely on large plastic refill containers (like multi-liter “jerry cans” of shampoo or soap) that still contribute to waste if not managed properly[15]. Additionally, those sturdy reusable dispensers don’t last forever – hygiene standards and wear-and-tear mean they must be cleaned and replaced periodically. (In fact, some industry guidelines suggest replacing refillable dispenser units every 6–12 months to ensure cleanliness and functionality[16].) In practice, we’ve seen cases where housekeeping staff, pressed for time or wary of contamination, will toss out half-full large bottles during refills[17] – potentially undermining the very waste-reduction goals these systems were meant to achieve.

When we mentioned these issues to hoteliers at HOSPACE, many responded with astonishment – “Oh, I hadn’t thought of that!” It became clear that simply switching to bulk amenities isn’t a set-and-forget sustainability solution. Hotels might be moving the waste out of guests’ sight, but the problem still exists if those refill containers and dispenser cartridges end up in landfill. Who is responsible for that part of the lifecycle? The answer must be: everyone involved[18] – suppliers, hotels, and even solution providers like us.

At Clean the World, we’ve been addressing this full lifecycle challenge. Our Hospitality Recycling Program not only recycles used soap bars, but can also handle those larger format amenity containers. We partner with over 8,300 hotels worldwide to collect and r discarded hygiene products.[19][20]. By ensuring even “hidden” waste like empty jerry cans or worn-out dispenser pumps are diverted from landfill, we help hotels truly close the loop. This kind of circular approach turns a well-intentioned change (like refillable amenities) into a fully sustainable practice. It’s about looking at the whole picture of product use and disposal. As we often remind our partners: out of sight should not mean out of mind. Every product has a lifecycle beyond the guest’s use[21], and managing that responsibly is what separates greenwashing from genuine sustainability.