ARS section 9-500.38 preempts Maricopa County from banning expanded polystyrene foam cups, plates, or clamshells. Restaurants and grocers may freely use EPS foam containers, and the county limits restrictions to its own facilities through procurement policy.
The 2015 Cooler Heads Prevail Act, ARS section 9-500.38, defines auxiliary containers broadly to include plastic foam food service ware, so Maricopa County cannot ban or tax expanded polystyrene cups, plates, bowls, trays, or clamshells used by private businesses. Restaurants, food trucks, and convenience stores may continue to offer EPS foam takeout countywide. Maricopa County government has adopted internal procurement preferences that steer county facilities and contractors toward recyclable and compostable food ware, but those rules do not bind private retailers. The county Climate and Sustainability efforts set voluntary reduction goals rather than mandates. State-shared revenue penalties under ARS section 41-194.01 keep the preemption sharp.
There is no private-business penalty for using EPS foam in Maricopa County. Improper disposal in county trash or stormwater can trigger MCESD solid-waste or litter fines under county environmental code.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale regulates construction noise primarily through general noise provisions and building code administration. Arizona HB 2371 (effective 2025) require...
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale restricts overnight parking on certain city streets through posted signage. The city may restrict overnight parking in areas with safety or conges...
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale supports EV infrastructure through its green building codes and zoning provisions. New commercial and multi-family developments may be required to...
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale addresses animal hoarding through Scottsdale Revised Code Chapter 4 keeping limits and Maricopa County Animal Care & Control field investigations;...
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale regulates the keeping of domestic animals including chickens and livestock under Chapter 4, Article II of the Revised Code. Chickens and other fow...
Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona ARS 36-1637 requires an approved smoke detector in every new residential housing unit and in any sleeping area remodeled under permit. Scottsdale enf...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle polystyrene foam rules.
See how Scottsdale's polystyrene foam rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.