Key Facts Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources

Maricopa County, AZ Single-Use Items: Plastic Straw Rules (2026)

Few Restrictions

Verified 2 weeks ago|Source: Arizona Revised Statutes section 9-500.38 →

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Key Facts

Preemption statute: ARS section 9-500.38
Straws-on-request rule: None in county
Self-service caddies: Allowed
Voluntary alternatives: Permitted, not mandated

City-specific rules exist: Phoenix, and Mesa have their own plastic straw rules rules that differ from Maricopa County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

Maricopa County imposes no straws-on-request rule, and ARS section 9-500.38 preempts any county ordinance restricting plastic straws. Restaurants may freely distribute single-use plastic straws at counters, drive-throughs, and self-service stations across the county.

Full Breakdown

Arizona's 2015 Cooler Heads Prevail Act, ARS section 9-500.38, defines auxiliary containers to include drinking straws and stirrers, blocking Maricopa County from adopting a straws-on-request rule, plastic-straw ban, or fee. Restaurants, fast-food outlets, coffee shops, and food trucks across the county may continue handing straws out automatically with drinks and may stock them at self-service caddies. The county has no parallel rule in its environmental code. Several private chains and county-owned venues have voluntarily switched to paper or compostable straws as part of sustainability programs, but the choice is non-binding. The state-shared revenue review under ARS section 41-194.01 polices any county overreach.

Violations & Fines

There is no private-business penalty for distributing plastic straws in Maricopa County. Littering straws on public property can be cited under county environmental code and city litter ordinances where applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a Maricopa County coffee shop ask before giving me a plastic straw?

Only by choice. The county has no straws-on-request mandate, and ARS section 9-500.38 preempts one. Some chains voluntarily ask, but state law does not require it anywhere here.

Can Maricopa County ban plastic straws in its own venues?

County facilities can set internal procurement and concessionaire rules, but the county cannot impose a plastic-straw ban on private restaurants under ARS section 9-500.38 preemption.

How does Maricopa County compare?

See how Maricopa County's plastic straw rules rules stack up against other locations.

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Maricopa County, AZ Single-Use Items: Plastic Straw Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

Related Maricopa County Ordinances

Parking Rules: Loading Zones

Parking Rules: Curb Color Rules

Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors

Home Business: Home Occupation Permits

Short-Term Rentals: Night Caps

Rental Inspections: Lead-Hazard Inspections

More Single-Use Items in Maricopa County

Plastic Straw Rules in Other Cities

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