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Single-Use Items in Boulder, CO (2026)

3 verified single-use items rules for Boulder, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Plastic Bag Rules

Colorado's Plastic Pollution Reduction Act (HB21-1162, CRS §25-17-501) banned single-use plastic carryout bags effective 2024 and requires a 10-cent fee on paper bags. Boulder pioneered a similar local fee in 2013 and aligns with the state law.

Colorado Plastic Pollution Reduction Act and Boulder

Heavy Restrictions

Polystyrene Foam Rules

The Colorado Plastic Pollution Reduction Act (HB21-1162) prohibits restaurants, schools, and retail food establishments from using expanded polystyrene foam foodware as of January 1, 2024. Boulder enforces the ban locally.

Boulder Polystyrene Foam Foodware Ban

Heavy Restrictions

Utensils-On-Request

Boulder's Universal Zero Waste Ordinance (BRC §6-13) and supporting administrative rules require restaurants and delivery platforms to provide disposable utensils, straws, and condiment packets only when the customer affirmatively requests them.

Boulder Disposable Utensils on Request Only

Some Restrictions

Looking for Boulder County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Boulder city rules.

Single-Use Items in Boulder County