Single-Use Items in Knoxville, TN (2026)
4 verified single-use items rules for Knoxville, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Plastic Bag Rules
Knoxville cannot ban or tax plastic carryout bags. Tennessee Code 68-211-1101 preempts local regulation of auxiliary containers, including bags, cups, and packaging, leaving choice to retailers and consumers.
Plastic Bag Bans Preempted in Tennessee
Few RestrictionsPolystyrene Foam Rules
Knoxville cannot ban polystyrene foam containers used for takeout food or beverages. Tennessee auxiliary container preemption blocks any local prohibition, fee, or mandatory alternative for foam packaging.
Polystyrene Foam Bans Preempted Statewide
Few RestrictionsPlastic Straw Rules
Knoxville cannot require plastic straws to be available only on request or ban them outright. The state auxiliary container preemption covers straws and stirrers along with bags, cups, and packaging.
Plastic Straw Restrictions Preempted
Few RestrictionsUtensils-On-Request
Knoxville cannot require restaurants or delivery platforms to provide plastic utensils only on customer request. Tennessee auxiliary container preemption blocks the kind of skip-the-stuff ordinances seen in other states.