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.
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.
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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Peoria, AZ
Peoria permits residential EV charger installation with electrical permits for Level 2 systems. ARS 33-1818 prevents HOAs from banning EV chargers. Level 1 c...
Peoria, AZ
Peoria requires permits for masonry walls and block fences. Standard open fencing under 6 feet in side and rear yards may not require a building permit but m...
Peoria, AZ
Peoria limits dogs/cats to a combined total typically allowed in residential zones and treats hoarding under AZ §13-2910 animal cruelty. Maricopa County Anim...
Peoria, AZ
Smoke alarms in Peoria are required by ARS 36-1637 and the 2018 IFC adopted by City Code Sec. 9-31 (Ord. 2021-13). Approved alarms must be installed in every...
Peoria, AZ
Peoria adopts International Fire Code (IFC) Chapter 61 for LP-gas. Residential: two 20-lb cylinders max per dwelling outside; indoor storage prohibited. BBQ ...
Peoria, AZ
Peoria's fire code (2018 International Fire Code) requires property owners to clear dry brush, dead vegetation, and fire hazards. The city's northwest Valley...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle plastic bag rules.
See how Peoria's plastic bag rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.