Single-Use Items in Philadelphia, PA (2026)
3 verified single-use items rules for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Single-use plastic bags banned at Philadelphia stores
Heavy RestrictionsPolystyrene 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.
Expanded polystyrene foam containers banned citywide
Heavy RestrictionsPlastic 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.
Plastic straws only on customer request in Philadelphia
Some RestrictionsLooking for Philadelphia County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Philadelphia city rules.
Single-Use Items in Philadelphia County →