Philadelphia's Single-Use Items: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles single-use items a little differently. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Plastic Bag Rules

Philadelphia Code section 9-209 bans single-use plastic carryout bags and thin paper bags at all retailers. Pennsylvania Act 12 had imposed a state preemption window blocking enforcement, but the moratorium lapsed in 2021, allowing full Philadelphia rollout.

Key details: City code: Philly Code section 9-209. Effective date: October 2021. State preemption: PA Act 12 lapsed 2021. Reusable bag: Allowed, often charged.

Distributing banned plastic carryout bags violates Philadelphia Code section 9-209, triggering written warnings, then administrative fines from one hundred fifty up to three hundred dollars per day per location.

This is one of the stricter rules in Philadelphia's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Polystyrene Foam Rules

Philadelphia Code section 9-209 bans food vendors and city contractors from using expanded polystyrene foam food service containers, cups, plates, trays, and coolers. The original 2018 ordinance survived state-preemption challenges and is enforced citywide.

Key details: City code: Philly Code section 9-209. Effective: Phased starting 2018. Coverage: All food retailers citywide. State preemption: None for food ware.

Distributing or using banned EPS foam food ware violates Philadelphia Code section 9-209 and triggers warnings, then administrative fines up to three hundred dollars per day per location.

Compared to other cities, Philadelphia takes a harder line on polystyrene foam rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Plastic Straw Rules

Philadelphia Code section 9-209 makes the city straws-on-request, barring food and beverage vendors from automatically providing plastic straws and stirrers. Disability accommodations remain protected, and compostable alternatives are encouraged citywide.

Key details: City code: Philly Code section 9-209. Default rule: On request only. Disability access: Must accommodate. State preemption: None for straws.

Auto-distributing plastic straws or stirrers violates Philadelphia Code section 9-209, triggering a written warning, then administrative fines up to three hundred dollars per day per location for repeats.

The Bottom Line

Philadelphia is tougher than many cities when it comes to single-use items. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia 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.