Utah Code §10-9a-528 enacted in 2019 prohibits Utah cities and counties from banning, taxing, or regulating single-use plastic bags. Salt Lake City cannot adopt a plastic bag ban or fee; only voluntary retailer programs operate.
Utah Code §10-9a-528, passed in 2019, preempts local government regulation of auxiliary containers including plastic carryout bags, foam containers, and paper bags. Salt Lake City had explored a bag fee but state law forecloses any binding ordinance. Retailers may voluntarily charge for bags or offer reusable alternatives, and the city encourages reusable bag use through outreach tied to its 1.5 Climate Plan. Some Utah retailers chose to phase out single-use plastic bags voluntarily, but the city cannot mandate it. The preemption statute applies uniformly to all Utah municipalities including SLC.
Because state law preempts local regulation, no city-level bag ban violations exist. Retailers face no city fines for offering plastic bags, though they may voluntarily restrict.
Salt Lake City, UT
Utah Code §10-9a-528 preempts Salt Lake City from banning polystyrene foam takeout containers. Restaurants may voluntarily switch to alternative materials, b...
Salt Lake City, UT
Utah Code §10-9a-528 preempts Salt Lake City from regulating single-use plastic straws. Restaurants may choose to offer straws on request only, switch to pap...
See how Salt Lake City's plastic bag rules rules stack up against other locations.
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