Iowa Code §455B.302 (2017) prohibits Iowa cities and counties from banning, taxing, or regulating plastic bags, foam containers, and similar auxiliary containers; Des Moines has no plastic bag fee.
In 2017 the Iowa Legislature passed and the governor signed HF 295's auxiliary container preemption, codified at Iowa Code §455B.302. The statute prohibits any city, county, or other political subdivision from imposing a ban, fee, tax, or other restriction on auxiliary containers (bags, cups, bottles, packaging) used for consumer goods. As a result, Des Moines cannot enact a plastic bag ban or 10-cent bag fee like those in Boston, Chicago, or California cities. Retailers may voluntarily charge for bags, and many encourage reusable bags, but the city cannot mandate it. Repeal would require state legislation.
There are no local violations because the city cannot enact restrictions; this entry exists to prevent confusion when residents see other states' bag fees.
Des Moines, IA
Iowa Code §455B.302 also preempts local bans on polystyrene foam food containers; Des Moines cannot prohibit Styrofoam takeout boxes or cups regardless of en...
Des Moines, IA
Iowa's auxiliary-container preemption blocks Des Moines from requiring straws-on-request or banning plastic straws; restaurants may voluntarily adopt paper o...
See how Des Moines's plastic bag rules rules stack up against other locations.
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