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

Nashville maintains 203 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with single-use items. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Nashville falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Polystyrene Foam Rules

TCA 68-211-1101 also blocks Nashville from banning expanded polystyrene foam takeout containers or coolers. Metro can encourage alternatives through its sustainability program but cannot prohibit foam at restaurants, schools, or special events.

Key details: State preemption: TCA 68-211-1101. Foam ban allowed: No, prohibited. Metro procurement: May favor alternatives. Voluntary phase-out: Encouraged.

There are no Metro penalties for using foam containers because state law preempts local prohibition. Businesses making false compostability claims may face state consumer protection enforcement.

The rules around polystyrene foam rules in Nashville lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Plastic Bag Rules

Tennessee preempts local plastic bag bans and fees under TCA 68-211-1101. Nashville cannot ban single-use plastic bags or impose a checkout-bag fee. Voluntary retailer programs and recycling drop-offs remain the only local option.

Key details: Preemption statute: TCA 68-211-1101. Local ban allowed: No, prohibited. Local fee allowed: No, prohibited. Voluntary action: Retailer choice.

Because state law preempts local regulation, Metro cannot fine retailers for offering plastic bags. Retailers ignoring private commitments face only contract or marketing exposure, not city penalties.

Nashville is more permissive than most cities when it comes to plastic bag rules. That said, there are still limits.

Plastic Straw Rules

Tennessee's auxiliary container preemption blocks Nashville from mandating straws-on-request or banning plastic straws. Restaurants may voluntarily switch to paper or compostable straws, and ADA accommodations require offering flexible plastic options to disabled patrons.

Key details: State preemption: TCA 68-211-1101. Local straw ban: Not permitted. ADA accommodation: Required where needed. Voluntary swaps: Common locally.

Metro cannot fine restaurants for offering plastic straws. Refusing reasonable straw accommodations to disabled patrons can lead to ADA complaints under Title III enforced by US Department of Justice.

The rules around plastic straw rules in Nashville lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Nashville gives residents more room on single-use items. 3 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

Keep in mind that Nashville can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.