Plastic Bag Rules: Bloomington vs Minneapolis
How do plastic bag rules rules compare between Bloomington, MN and Minneapolis, MN?
Bloomington and Minneapolis have similar restriction levels.
Bloomington, MN
Hennepin County
Minn. Stat. 471.9998 partially preempts plastic bag bans, prohibiting outright local bans but allowing fees, recycling rules, and reusable bag programs in Hennepin County cities.
View full Bloomington rules →Minneapolis, MN
Hennepin County
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.
View full Minneapolis rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bloomington | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| State law | Minn. Stat. 471.9998 | - |
| Preemption | Bans prohibited | - |
| Allowed | Fees and material rules | - |
| Mpls fee | Five cents per bag | - |
| Code | - | Title 7 (Health/Sanitation) |
| Minimum fee | - | Five cents per bag |
| Exempt | - | SNAP/WIC customers |
| State preempt | - | Minn. Stat. §471.9998 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bloomington FAQ
Can a Hennepin city ban plastic bags outright?
No. State law expressly preempts outright local bag bans. Cities may charge per-bag fees, require certain materials, or promote reusable bag programs but cannot prohibit bags entirely.
Does the bag fee apply to food shelves?
Most local bag fees exempt food shelves, WIC and SNAP transactions, and prescription bags. Check the specific city ordinance for the list of exempt transactions.
Minneapolis FAQ
Can I get free bags if I use food stamps?
Yes. Customers paying with SNAP, WIC, or similar nutrition benefits are exempt from the bag fee under Minneapolis Title 7 and must not be charged.
Why didn't state preemption kill this rule?
Minn. Stat. §471.9998 only preempts new local bag ordinances passed after 2021. Minneapolis's pre-existing ordinance was grandfathered and remains enforceable today.
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