Texas Health and Safety Code section 361.0961 preempts cities and counties from regulating containers and packages, which the Texas Supreme Court Laredo case extends to polystyrene foam. Dallas County cannot ban Styrofoam takeout containers. Restaurants and grocers freely use polystyrene packaging.
Texas Health and Safety Code 361.0961, the Solid Waste Disposal Act preemption clause interpreted by City of Laredo v. Laredo Merchants Association (2018), bars Texas cities and counties from regulating containers and packages, including polystyrene foam. Dallas County has no expanded polystyrene ordinance and is preempted from enacting one. Restaurants, school cafeterias, and grocery stores across Dallas County freely use foam clamshells, cups, and trays. The Texas Restaurant Association cites the ruling whenever local proposals surface. Federal FDA rules still govern food-contact safety of polystyrene. Dallas County HHS and Public Works pursue voluntary recycling and litter education only. Some commercial recyclers accept clean expanded polystyrene from restaurants and offices.
Dallas County imposes no penalty on polystyrene foam containers because the county has no ordinance and is preempted from creating one. State litter laws under Health and Safety Code chapter 365 still apply to discarded foam packaging in unincorporated areas.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Grand Prairie, TX
Grand Prairie Sec. 13-283 (Ord. 11192-2022) sets decibel limits by zone: Residential 65/58 dBA Leq day/night, Commercial 67/60, Industrial 70/65, Entertainme...
Grand Prairie, TX
Grand Prairie Sec. 13-280(12) exempts normal property maintenance noise during daytime hours (6 AM-10 PM). Leaf blowers and lawn equipment must comply with d...
Grand Prairie, TX
Grand Prairie Sec. 13-282 designates Noise Zone 3 for manufacturing, industrial, and governmental properties. Sec. 13-283 sets limits of 70 dBA Leq daytime /...
Grand Prairie, TX
Grand Prairie Ch. 29, Art. VII regulates junk/inoperable vehicles. Inoperable vehicles (wrecked, flat tires, expired registration) may not be stored visibly ...
Grand Prairie, TX
Grand Prairie prohibits R-panel, metal sheeting, and plywood fencing in residential areas. Only wood, masonry, chain link, wood slats, and wrought iron are a...
Grand Prairie, TX
Grand Prairie requires pool fences at least 48 inches tall with gaps under 4 inches from the ground. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Chain link...
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