Single-Use Items in Denver, CO (2026)
3 verified single-use items rules for Denver, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Plastic Bag Rules
Colorado HB21-1162 banned single-use plastic carryout bags statewide effective January 2024. Stores must charge ten cents per recycled paper bag. Denver follows the state rule; small businesses with three or fewer locations are exempt.
Colorado plastic bag ban with ten cent paper fee
Some RestrictionsPolystyrene Foam Rules
Colorado HB21-1162 also bans expanded polystyrene foam food containers at retail food establishments effective January 2024. Denver restaurants, food trucks, and grocery delis cannot use foam clamshells, cups, or trays for prepared food.
Colorado bans polystyrene foam food containers in Denver
Heavy RestrictionsPlastic Straw Rules
Colorado HB21-1162 limits single-use plastic straws to customer request only at retail food establishments. Denver follows the state rule; servers may not automatically provide a plastic straw, and self-service straw stations are barred.
Plastic straws on customer request only in Denver
Some RestrictionsLooking for Denver County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Denver city rules.
Single-Use Items in Denver County →