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Maricopa County, AZ Single-Use Items: Plastic Bag Rules (2026)

Few Restrictions

Verified 2 weeks ago|Source: Arizona Revised Statutes section 9-500.38 →

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Key Facts

Preemption statute: ARS section 9-500.38
Year enacted: 2015 (HB-2131)
County bag fee: Not allowed
Take-back program: Voluntary, store-based

City-specific rules exist: Mesa, Scottsdale, and Phoenix have their own plastic bag rules rules that differ from Maricopa County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

ARS section 9-500.38, the 2015 Cooler Heads Prevail Act, bars Maricopa County and Arizona cities from banning, taxing, or imposing fees on plastic carryout bags. Stores across the county may distribute single-use plastic bags freely.

Full Breakdown

Arizona House Bill 2131 of 2015 added ARS section 9-500.38, which prohibits any municipality or county from regulating the sale, use, or disposition of auxiliary containers, including plastic carryout bags, paper bags, cups, bottles, and other packaging. The legislature tied state-shared revenue to compliance, and the Attorney General can investigate complaints under SB-1487 and ARS section 41-194.01. Maricopa County Environmental Services therefore cannot adopt a bag fee or ban. Retailers in unincorporated Maricopa County and the 27 cities may freely offer plastic, paper, or reusable bags without charge. Grocery chains operate under voluntary recycling and take-back programs, and the county supports voluntary plastic-film drop-off through MCESD outreach.

Violations & Fines

There is no resident-facing bag violation in Maricopa County. A county that violates ARS section 9-500.38 risks losing state-shared revenue under ARS section 41-194.01 if the Attorney General finds a continuing violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Maricopa County ever charge me a fee for a plastic bag?

No. ARS section 9-500.38 preempts county and city bag fees and bans, and a violating jurisdiction risks losing state-shared revenue under SB-1487. Bag charges are unlawful here.

Can a Maricopa County grocery store voluntarily switch to paper only?

Yes. Private retailers may set their own packaging policies; the preemption only blocks government-imposed mandates. Several county grocers offer reusable bags and plastic-bag recycling stations.

How does Maricopa County compare?

See how Maricopa County's plastic bag rules rules stack up against other locations.

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Maricopa County, AZ Single-Use Items: Plastic Bag Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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