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CityRuleLookup

Single-Use Items in Des Moines, IA (2026)

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

Verified from official government sources

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.

Iowa preempts local plastic bag bans

Few Restrictions

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.

Foam container preemption under Iowa law

Few Restrictions

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.

Plastic straw rules preempted statewide

Few Restrictions