Single-Use Items in Phoenix, AZ (2026)
3 verified single-use items rules for Phoenix, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Plastic Bag Rules
Phoenix cannot enforce a plastic bag ban or fee. A.R.S. § 9-500.38 declares 'the regulation of the sale, use and disposition of auxiliary containers' a matter of statewide concern and bars cities from imposing taxes, fees, or regulations on these items. Phoenix participates in the voluntary Bag Central Station retailer take-back program.
Phoenix Plastic Bag Ban: Preempted by Arizona State Law
Few RestrictionsA.R.S. § 9-500.38 (Prohibition on regulation of auxiliary containers; state preemption; definition)
A. A city or town may not: 1. Impose a tax, fee, assessment, charge or return deposit on a consumer or an owner, operator or tenant of a business, commercial building or multifamily housing property for auxiliary containers. 2. Regulate the sale, use or disposition of auxiliary containers by an owner, operator or tenant of a business, commercial building or multifamily housing property. B. The ...
Polystyrene Foam Rules
ARS section 9-500.38 preempts Phoenix from banning expanded polystyrene foam cups, plates, or clamshells. Restaurants and grocers may freely use EPS foam containers, and the city limits restrictions to its own facilities through procurement policy.
Polystyrene foam containers not banned in Phoenix
Few RestrictionsPlastic Straw Rules
Phoenix imposes no straws-on-request rule, and ARS section 9-500.38 preempts any city ordinance restricting plastic straws. Restaurants may freely distribute single-use plastic straws at counters, drive-throughs, and self-service stations.
Phoenix has no plastic-straw rule; state preemption applies
Few RestrictionsLooking for Maricopa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Phoenix city rules.
Single-Use Items in Maricopa County →