Ohio Revised Code Section 3737.83 enacted in 2019 preempted municipal regulation of auxiliary containers including plastic bags. The preemption expired briefly in 2022 but partial restoration prevents Columbus from enacting bag bans or fees.
Ohio enacted House Bill 242 in late 2020 codified at Ohio Revised Code Section 3737.83, preempting Ohio cities and counties from regulating auxiliary containers including plastic bags, cups, packaging, and similar single-use items. The preemption blocked Cuyahoga County's bag fee and prevented Columbus from advancing its proposed bag ordinance. The original statute included a sunset that expired in early 2022, briefly opening a window for local regulation, but subsequent legislative actions and continued state-level efforts have effectively preserved preemption pressure. Columbus has not enacted a plastic bag ban or fee, instead pursuing voluntary reduction through the Columbus Climate Action Plan and Refuse Collection programs. Future municipal regulation likely requires Ohio General Assembly action to permanently lift preemption.
No Columbus ordinance currently regulates plastic carryout bags. Retailers face no local penalties for distributing plastic or paper bags. State preemption blocks city enforcement of any bag fee or ban.
Columbus, OH
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Columbus, OH
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See how Columbus's plastic bag rules rules stack up against other locations.
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