Iowa Plastic Bag and Container Preemption Law

Iowa Code section 455B.485, enacted in 2017, prohibits cities, counties, and other political subdivisions from imposing any ban, fee, or tax on auxiliary containers used for transporting merchandise or food. Auxiliary containers include reusable and single-use bags, cups, bottles, packages, and other containers made of plastic, paper, glass, aluminum, fiber, or similar materials. The law nullified plans by Iowa City and other municipalities to adopt plastic bag fees or bans. Manufacturers and retailers retain discretion to use any container type.

Local ordinances regulating auxiliary containers are void and unenforceable; affected parties may seek declaratory judgment.