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Dallas, TX Single-Use Items: Polystyrene Foam Rules (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Foam ban status
None; preempted by state
Authority blocking ban
TX Solid Waste Disposal Act
City facilities
Voluntary phase-out only
Restaurants
May freely use foam containers
Recycling
Not curbside-recyclable in Dallas

Summary

Dallas has no ordinance restricting expanded polystyrene foam cups, plates, or takeout containers. Texas state law preempts local container bans, so restaurants and retailers may freely use foam packaging citywide.

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 waste by a solid waste facility, except for a solid waste facility owned by the local government, permitted by the commission for that purpose in a manner not authorized by state law; or(3) assess a fee or deposit on the sale or use of a container or package.(b) This section does not prevent a local government or other political subdivision from complying with federal or state law or regulation. A loca...

Source: Dallas City CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Unlike Austin or several California cities, Dallas does not prohibit expanded polystyrene (commonly called Styrofoam) food service ware. The same Texas Health & Safety Code preemption that voided plastic-bag bans, confirmed by the Texas Supreme Court's 2018 Laredo decision, blocks municipal foam container restrictions. Dallas restaurants, food trucks, schools, and retailers continue to use foam clamshells, cups, and trays. The Dallas Climate Action and Equity Plan encourages voluntary reduction of single-use plastics, and city facilities have phased out foam in some procurement contracts, but no resident- or business-facing ban applies.

Violations & Fines

No violations exist for using or distributing polystyrene foam containers in Dallas. Any city ordinance attempting to ban foam food service ware would be preempted by Texas state law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Styrofoam banned in Dallas?
No. Dallas has no foam ban, and Texas preempts cities from enacting one. Restaurants, retailers, and schools may use expanded polystyrene cups, plates, and clamshells without restriction.
Can I recycle foam containers curbside?
No. Dallas curbside recycling does not accept expanded polystyrene. Place foam in regular trash, or seek private drop-off recyclers; some shipping stores accept clean block foam.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Dallas

Landscaping Rules: Water RestrictionsSome RestrictionsPlastic Straw RulesFew RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSignificant RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Weed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsHistoric Preservation: HCM Demolition ControlsSome RestrictionsHistoric Preservation: HPOZ RulesSignificant Restrictions

All Dallas rules

Texas rules heatmap·Compare Dallas to another location·View the Texas single-use items overview

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