Single-Use Items in Aurora, CO: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Aurora or are thinking about moving there, single-use items are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Aurora has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of single-use items, and some of them might surprise you.
Plastic Bag Rules
Aurora retailers charge a 10-cent fee per disposable plastic or paper bag and may not provide single-use plastic carryout bags as of January 2024 under Colorado HB21-1162 statewide preemption.
Key details: Bag fee: 10 cents per bag. Effective date: January 2024. City share: 60 percent. State law: HB21-1162. SNAP exemption: Yes.
Retailers providing prohibited plastic bags face fines starting at 500 dollars per offense, escalating to 1,000 dollars for repeat violations, plus loss of the 40 percent retailer fee retention.
This is one of the stricter rules in Aurora's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Polystyrene Foam Rules
Aurora prohibits restaurants and retail food establishments from using expanded polystyrene foam takeout containers under Colorado HB21-1162, effective January 2024 with no exemption for small businesses.
Key details: Effective date: January 2024. State law: HB21-1162. Banned material: Expanded polystyrene. Small biz exempt: No. Inspector: Tri-County Health.
Using prohibited foam containers leads to fines starting at 500 dollars and rising to 1,000 dollars for repeat violations. Tri-County Health may also flag noncompliance during food safety inspections.
This is one of the stricter rules in Aurora's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Plastic Straw Rules
Aurora restaurants follow Colorado guidance encouraging plastic straws by request only, reducing waste while allowing accessibility accommodations for disabled patrons under Tri-County Health and city sustainability programs.
Key details: Mandate: Voluntary. Accessibility: Plastic available. Program: Aurora Sustainability Plan. Outreach: Tri-County Health. Federal law: ADA accommodations.
There is no city fine for providing straws automatically, but mandatory bans on certain compostable claims and false-labeling under Colorado Consumer Protection Act apply if misrepresented as biodegradable.
Utensils-On-Request
Aurora encourages food service businesses to provide disposable plastic utensils, condiments, and napkins only on customer request as part of voluntary waste reduction under the Aurora Climate Action Plan.
Key details: Mandate: Voluntary. Plan: Aurora Climate Action 2021. Delivery apps: Opt-in checkbox. City facilities: On-request default. State alignment: HB21-1162.
There are no city penalties for providing utensils automatically. Voluntary adoption is monitored through Aurora Sustainability reporting. False compostable claims remain enforceable under Colorado consumer protection law.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Aurora gives residents more flexibility on utensils-on-request.
The Bottom Line
Aurora is tougher than many cities when it comes to single-use items. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Aurora, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
Keep in mind that Aurora can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.