Single-Use Items in Bexar County, TX (2026)

3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Bexar County, Texas.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Bexar County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Plastic Bag Rules

Bexar County cannot ban plastic carryout bags. The Texas Supreme Court in City of Laredo v. Laredo Merchants Association struck down local bag bans as preempted by the Texas Health and Safety Code container provision.

Plastic Bag Bans Preempted in Bexar County

Few Restrictions

Texas Health & Safety Code Sec. 361.0961 (Container Preemption)

Sec. 361.0961. RESTRICTIONS ON AUTHORITY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT OR OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION. (a) A local government or other political subdivision may not adopt an ordinance, rule, or regulation to: (1) prohibit or restrict, for solid waste management purposes, the sale or use of a container or package in a manner not authorized by state law; (2) prohibit or restrict the processing of solid was...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Polystyrene Foam Rules

Bexar County does not restrict expanded polystyrene foam containers. Texas container preemption under TX HSC Section 361.0961 likely blocks local foam bans, mirroring the outcome for plastic bag ordinances.

Polystyrene Foam Restrictions in Bexar County

Few Restrictions

Texas Health & Safety Code Sec. 361.0961 (Container/Package Preemption)

Sec. 361.0961. RESTRICTIONS ON AUTHORITY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT OR OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION. (a) A local government or other political subdivision may not adopt an ordinance, rule, or regulation to: (1) prohibit or restrict, for solid waste management purposes, the sale or use of a container or package in a manner not authorized by state law.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Plastic Straw Rules

Bexar County does not require restaurants to switch from plastic straws or to provide them only on request. Texas container preemption discourages local straw mandates, leaving the choice to each business.

Plastic Straw Rules in Bexar County

Few Restrictions

Texas Health & Safety Code Sec. 361.0961 (Container/Package Preemption)

Sec. 361.0961. RESTRICTIONS ON AUTHORITY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT OR OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION. (a) A local government or other political subdivision may not adopt an ordinance, rule, or regulation to: (1) prohibit or restrict, for solid waste management purposes, the sale or use of a container or package in a manner not authorized by state law.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Single-Use Items by City in Bexar County

1 cities in Bexar County have their own single-use items rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

San AntonioPop. 1,434,625

2 verified rules • Polystyrene Foam Rules, Plastic Straw Rules

All Bexar County ordinances

See every category we cover for Bexar County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Bexar County Ordinance Hub →