Des Moines's Single-Use Items: The Rules That Matter

If you live in Des Moines 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. Des Moines has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of single-use items, and some of them might surprise you.

Plastic Bag Rules

Iowa Code §455B.302 (2017) prohibits Iowa cities and counties from banning, taxing, or regulating plastic bags, foam containers, and similar auxiliary containers; Des Moines has no plastic bag fee.

Key details: Statute: Iowa Code §455B.302. Year preempted: 2017. Bag fee allowed: Voluntary only. Local ban allowed: No.

There are no local violations because the city cannot enact restrictions; this entry exists to prevent confusion when residents see other states' bag fees.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Des Moines gives residents more flexibility on plastic bag rules.

Polystyrene Foam Rules

Iowa Code §455B.302 also preempts local bans on polystyrene foam food containers; Des Moines cannot prohibit Styrofoam takeout boxes or cups regardless of environmental concerns.

Key details: Foam ban allowed: No, preempted. Statute: Iowa Code §455B.302. Curbside recycling: Foam not accepted. Voluntary alternatives: Encouraged by city.

No local violations because the city cannot regulate foam containers; littering laws still apply to discarded foam under Ch. 78 Solid Waste.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Des Moines gives residents more flexibility on polystyrene foam rules.

Plastic Straw Rules

Iowa's auxiliary-container preemption blocks Des Moines from requiring straws-on-request or banning plastic straws; restaurants may voluntarily adopt paper or no-straw policies.

Key details: Local straw ban: Preempted. On-request rule: Preempted. Voluntary policies: Common downtown. ADA accommodation: Not required by city.

No local violations because regulation is preempted; city cannot cite a restaurant for offering or not offering plastic straws.

Des Moines is more permissive than most cities when it comes to plastic straw rules. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Des Moines gives residents more room on single-use items. 3 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

Keep in mind that Des Moines 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.