Plastic Bag Rules: Mesa vs Scottsdale
How do plastic bag rules rules compare between Mesa, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ?
Mesa and Scottsdale have similar restriction levels.
Mesa, AZ
Maricopa County
ARS Section 11-269.18, signed in 2015, prohibits Mesa and every other Arizona city or county from banning, taxing, or regulating single-use plastic bags or other auxiliary containers. Local fees on bags are also preempted.
View full Mesa rules →Scottsdale, AZ
Maricopa County
Scottsdale cannot enforce a plastic bag ban or fee. A.R.S. § 9-500.38 declares regulation of auxiliary containers a matter of statewide concern, preempting all Arizona cities and towns. Scottsdale's Solid Waste Division promotes voluntary plastic-film recycling at retailer drop-offs.
View full Scottsdale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mesa | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | ARS 11-269.18 | - |
| Year | 2015 (SB 1241) | - |
| Scope | Bags, cups, containers | - |
| Fees | Preempted too | - |
| Penalty for cities | Shared revenue withhold | - |
| Local Ordinance | - | None — Arizona preempts |
| Preemption Statute | - | A.R.S. § 9-500.38 (2015) |
| Maricopa County Pattern | - | All major cities follow preemption |
| Drop-Off | - | Bag Central Station retailer locations |
| Enforcement Tool | - | A.R.S. § 41-194.01 (SB 1487) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mesa FAQ
Why doesn't Mesa charge for plastic bags like California cities?
Arizona state law (ARS 11-269.18) bars every Arizona city and county from banning or charging for plastic bags. Mesa cannot adopt such a rule unless the legislature repeals the preemption.
Can Mesa stores voluntarily go bagless?
Yes. Individual Mesa retailers may voluntarily eliminate plastic bags, charge optional fees, or offer reusable bags; the preemption only blocks government mandates.
Scottsdale FAQ
Does Scottsdale have a plastic bag ban?
No. Scottsdale has no plastic bag ban or fee. A.R.S. § 9-500.38 preempts every Arizona city, including all of Maricopa County's major municipalities.
What is the Arizona attorney general's role here?
Under A.R.S. § 41-194.01 (SB 1487), any state legislator can ask the Attorney General to investigate a city ordinance for preemption violations. If the AG finds a violation, state shared revenue (Scottsdale's largest single revenue source) can be withheld. Bisbee experienced this in 2017 over its bag ordinance.
Where can I recycle plastic bags in Scottsdale?
At Bag Central Station bins at Fry's, Safeway, Albertsons, Walmart, and Target locations across Scottsdale. The city's Solid Waste Transfer & Recycling Center on Hayden Road also accepts certain film. Curbside blue carts do NOT take plastic bags.
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