Illinois Plastic Straw Rules Law: Statewide Single-Use Items Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: P.A. 102-0532
Rule: Straws on request
Effective: January 1, 2022
Local Authority: Allowed

Full Breakdown

Public Act 102-0532 (effective January 1, 2022) added Section 5/22-58 to the Environmental Protection Act, requiring full-service restaurants to provide single-use plastic straws only on customer request. The law does not preempt municipalities from enacting broader bans, and Evanston has prohibited polystyrene and certain plastic foodware. The Solid Waste Planning and Recycling Act (415 ILCS 15) encourages waste reduction. State enforcement is by the Illinois EPA; local rules are enforced under each municipality's ordinance.

Violations & Penalties

First violations of the on-request rule trigger a written notice; subsequent violations may result in civil penalties up to $250 per offense administered by the Illinois EPA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are plastic straws banned in Illinois?

Not entirely. Public Act 102-0532 requires full-service restaurants to provide single-use plastic straws only when a customer asks. Outright bans depend on individual city ordinances.

Can a city ban plastic straws outright in Illinois?

Yes. Illinois law sets a floor with the on-request rule but does not preempt municipalities from enacting stricter local plastic straw or foodware bans under home rule.

Illinois Plastic Straw On-Request Rules Under PA 102-0532