Montana Plastic Straw Rules and Preemption

Plastic and other single-use straws fall within the auxiliary container definition in MCA 7-5-103, which preempts local regulation, prohibition, or fees. Restaurants and retailers may freely distribute plastic straws to customers in Montana. Some businesses voluntarily adopt request-only or alternative-material straw practices, but they are not required by state or local law. General disposal and litter regulations remain applicable.

Local ordinances banning or restricting straws are unenforceable; businesses face no straw-specific penalties under state law.