Minneapolis's Single-Use Items: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles single-use items a little differently. In Minneapolis, Minnesota, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Plastic Bag Rules

Minneapolis requires retailers to charge at least five cents per single-use carryout bag under Title 7. Minnesota partially preempts new local bag bans under Minn. Stat. §471.9998 but allows pre-2021 ordinances like Minneapolis to remain.

Key details: Code: Title 7 (Health/Sanitation). Minimum fee: Five cents per bag. Exempt: SNAP/WIC customers. State preempt: Minn. Stat. §471.9998.

Failing to charge the bag fee, hiding the charge in product pricing, refusing to provide reusable bag options, or denying the SNAP/WIC exemption can result in administrative fines and license action.

Polystyrene Foam Rules

Minneapolis prohibits food establishments from using expanded polystyrene foam containers under Title 7 Chapter 244. The ban has been in effect since 2015 and requires recyclable, compostable, or reusable alternatives instead.

Key details: Code: Title 7 Ch. 244. Effective since: 2015. Banned material: Expanded polystyrene foam. Required: Recyclable or compostable.

Serving prepared food in polystyrene foam containers, stocking foam takeout supplies, or repeatedly substituting non-compliant disposables can lead to administrative fines, correction orders, and food license action.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Minneapolis actively enforces its polystyrene foam rules requirements.

Plastic Straw Rules

Minneapolis food establishments may only provide single-use plastic straws, stirrers, and utensils when customers request them, under Title 7 Chapter 244 environmentally acceptable packaging rules. Bundled defaults are not allowed.

Key details: Code: Title 7 Ch. 244. Rule: On-request only. Disability access: Flexible straws required. Applies to: Dine-in, takeout, delivery.

Auto-including straws or plastic utensils in delivery bags, packaging cutlery in sealed kits without request, or denying flexible straws to customers with disabilities can result in fines and inspection orders.

The Bottom Line

Minneapolis's single-use items rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Minneapolis is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Minneapolis's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.