Colorado does not ban plastic straws statewide, but allows cities to restrict distribution and many require straws only upon customer request.
While the Plastic Pollution Reduction Act addresses bags and foam, Colorado law leaves single-use plastic straw regulation primarily to local jurisdictions. Several Colorado cities, including Boulder and Aspen, have adopted upon-request ordinances requiring food establishments to provide plastic straws only when a customer asks. These rules generally exempt straws medically required for accessibility. State law preserves local authority to set stricter single-use item rules under CRS 25-17-505. Restaurants are encouraged to provide compostable or paper alternatives.
Local fines for distributing plastic straws unsolicited typically range from $50 to $250 per violation, with progressive penalties for repeat offenses.
Boulder, CO
Boulder imposes no general restriction on year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private residential property. The Sign Code in BRC 9-...
Boulder, CO
Boulder has no ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, motor noise, and lighting hours are not capped by the city fo...
Boulder, CO
Boulder explicitly carves out holiday and seasonal displays from its Outdoor Lighting Ordinance. BRC 9-9-16 (Light Output) restricts lamps and bulbs visible ...
Boulder, CO
An outdoor kitchen in Boulder typically requires a building permit when it exceeds 200 sq ft, includes a roof or pergola, or is attached to the house. Gas li...
Boulder, CO
Boulder has no smoker-specific ordinance; offset, pellet, kamado, and wood-fired smokers fall under the general IFC 308 framework adopted in BRC 10-8-2 plus ...
Boulder, CO
Boulder adopts the International Fire Code under Boulder Revised Code Title 10 Chapter 8 (Fire Code). IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits charcoal burners, gas gri...
See how Boulder's plastic straw rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.