Single-Use Items in Indianapolis, IN (2026)
3 verified single-use items rules for Indianapolis, Indiana, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Plastic Bag Rules
Indianapolis cannot enforce a plastic bag ban or fee. Indiana Code § 36-1-3-8.6 prohibits any local government from imposing any 'prohibition, restriction, fee, or tax with respect to auxiliary containers.' Governor Pence signed the preemption (HB 1053) into law in March 2016, blocking an Indianapolis-Marion County proposal.
Indianapolis Plastic Bag Ban: Preempted by Indiana State Law
Few RestrictionsPolystyrene Foam Rules
Indianapolis cannot ban polystyrene foam takeout containers or coolers. Indiana Code 36-1-3-5.6 sweeps in any auxiliary container regulation, and a 2018 update extended the preemption explicitly to cover food packaging materials beyond plastic bags.
Polystyrene foam container bans preempted in Indiana
Few RestrictionsPlastic Straw Rules
Indianapolis cannot require restaurants to switch to paper straws or to provide plastic straws only on request. Indiana Code 36-1-3-5.6 prevents any local regulation of single-use food service items, including straws.
Plastic straw mandates blocked by state preemption
Few RestrictionsLooking for Marion County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Indianapolis city rules.
Single-Use Items in Marion County →