Albuquerque's 2020 single-use plastic bag ban was repealed in 2022, and New Mexico has no statewide bag law, so retailers may currently provide thin plastic carryout bags without a city fee or restriction.
Albuquerque enacted a Clean & Green Retail Ordinance in 2020 banning thin single-use plastic carryout bags and imposing a paper bag fee. City Council repealed the ordinance in 2022 amid pandemic-era retail concerns, and no replacement has taken effect. New Mexico's legislature has not passed a statewide plastic bag ban, so retailers in Albuquerque may distribute conventional plastic carryout bags. The city continues encouraging reusable bags through Solid Waste Management outreach, and businesses remain free to set their own bag-fee or reusable-only policies. Litter and stormwater rules still apply to escaped bags.
There is no current Albuquerque or New Mexico violation for distributing plastic bags, but commercial litter from escaped bags can trigger Solid Waste and stormwater enforcement.
Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque has no foam container ban; polystyrene takeout containers, cups, and packing peanuts remain legal at restaurants and retailers, with no statewide...
Albuquerque, NM
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See how Albuquerque's plastic bag rules rules stack up against other locations.
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