Virginia has no statewide plastic straw ban; straws remain available on request, and localities have limited authority to regulate single-use service items beyond state environmental statutes.
Virginia has not adopted a statewide ban on plastic straws or stirrers. While Code 10.1-1424.4 phases out expanded polystyrene food containers, plastic straws are not expressly regulated. Some restaurants voluntarily provide straws upon request only. Localities have limited authority to impose environmental restrictions outside state-authorized programs like the Code 58.1-1745 bag tax, and broad bans on single-use plastics may face preemption challenges. Vendors should monitor pending legislation that may expand the framework.
Because no specific straw mandate exists, there are no direct state penalties for distributing plastic straws. Voluntary corporate policies are enforced privately. Any local ordinance attempting to ban straws may be challenged for exceeding granted authority.
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and tow...
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria EV chargers need an electrical permit (and possibly a structural permit) via APEX. In the two locally-regulated historic districts or on 100-Year-...
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuis...
See how Alexandria's plastic straw rules rules stack up against other locations.
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