Single-Use Items in Birmingham, AL (2026)
4 verified single-use items rules for Birmingham, Alabama, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Plastic Bag Rules
Alabama Code Section 22-22B-1, enacted in 2019, prohibits Birmingham and every other Alabama municipality from regulating, taxing, or banning single-use plastic bags or other auxiliary containers used by retail and food establishments.
Alabama Preempts Local Plastic Bag Bans
Few RestrictionsPolystyrene Foam Rules
Birmingham cannot ban or restrict polystyrene foam takeout containers because the same 2019 Alabama auxiliary-container preemption (AL Code 22-22B-1) covers foam cups, plates, and clamshells alongside plastic bags.
Polystyrene Foam Containers Not Locally Regulated
Few RestrictionsPlastic Straw Rules
Birmingham cannot require restaurants to switch to paper straws or adopt straws-on-request rules because Alabama's 2019 auxiliary container preemption (AL Code 22-22B-1) covers single-use straws within its broad definition.
Plastic Straw Rules Preempted Statewide
Few RestrictionsTakeout Containers
Alabama's 2019 auxiliary container preemption blocks Birmingham from regulating the materials used for takeout food containers, leaving restaurants free to use plastic, foam, paper, or compostable packaging without city-imposed mandates or fees.
Takeout Container Materials Not Regulated
Few RestrictionsLooking for Jefferson County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Birmingham city rules.
Single-Use Items in Jefferson County →