Plastic Bag Rules: Madison vs Middleton
How do plastic bag rules rules compare between Madison, WI and Middleton, WI?
Madison has fewer restrictions than Middleton.
Madison, WI
Dane County
Wisconsin Act 302 (2016), codified at Wis. Stat. §66.0419, preempts any Madison ordinance regulating, banning, or charging fees on single-use plastic carryout bags, blocking the kind of policies seen in Milwaukee proposals or Minneapolis.
View full Madison rules →Middleton, WI
Dane County
Wisconsin Statute 66.0419, enacted by 2015 Act 17, preempts cities, villages, towns, and counties from regulating, banning, or imposing fees on auxiliary containers including plastic bags, cups, and bottles.
View full Middleton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Madison | Middleton |
|---|---|---|
| Preemption statute | Wis. Stat. §66.0419 | - |
| Enacted | 2016 Wis. Act 302 | - |
| Local ban allowed | No | - |
| Voluntary programs | Permitted | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Madison FAQ
Why doesn't Madison ban plastic bags?
Wisconsin Act 302 (2016) preempts local container regulations. Madison legally cannot ban or fee plastic bags unless the legislature repeals Wis. Stat. §66.0419.
Can stores charge for bags voluntarily?
Yes. The preemption stops government mandates, not retailer business decisions. Some Madison co-ops and grocers charge five to ten cents per bag as a voluntary policy.
Middleton FAQ
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