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Corpus Christi, TX Single-Use Items: Plastic Bag Rules (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

City ban
Preempted by state
Key case
Laredo Merchants 2018
Statute
Tex. Health & Safety §361.0961
Voluntary programs
Allowed

Summary

Corpus Christi cannot ban or restrict single-use plastic bags. The Texas Supreme Court held in City of Laredo v. Laredo Merchants Association (2018) that the state Health and Safety Code preempts local container ordinances.

Sec. 361.0961. RESTRICTIONS ON AUTHORITY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT OR OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION. (a) A local government or other political subdivision may not adopt an ordinance, rule, or regulation to: (1) prohibit or restrict, for solid waste management purposes, the sale or use of a container or package in a manner not authorized by state law; (2) prohibit or restrict the processing of solid waste by a solid waste facility, except for a solid waste facility owned by the local government, permitted by the commission for that purpose in a manner not authorized by state law; or (3) assess a fee or deposit on the sale or use of a container or package.

Source: Texas Health and Safety CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Several Texas cities, including Brownsville and Laredo, adopted plastic-bag fees or bans before 2018. In City of Laredo v. Laredo Merchants Association, the Texas Supreme Court held that Texas Health and Safety Code §361.0961 preempts municipal ordinances that prohibit or restrict containers and packages for solid-waste management purposes. Corpus Christi never adopted a bag ordinance, and any future attempt would conflict with state law absent a legislative change. Retailers and consumers therefore continue to use single-use bags freely. Voluntary store programs and bring-your-own-bag incentives remain lawful and unregulated by the city.

Violations & Fines

There is no city plastic-bag ordinance to enforce. Voluntary retailer programs are not subject to city penalties, and no fee or ban can be imposed without state legislative authorization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Austin no longer have a bag ban?
Austin and other Texas cities repealed or stopped enforcing bag ordinances after the 2018 Texas Supreme Court ruling held they were preempted by state solid-waste law.
Can stores charge for bags voluntarily?
Yes. Retailers may charge for bags, offer credits for reusables, or stop carrying single-use bags as a private business decision. The city has no authority to require it.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Corpus Christi

Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingLight RestrictionsPlastic Straw RulesFew RestrictionsTakeout ContainersFew RestrictionsPolystyrene Foam RulesFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: Propane StorageSome Restrictions

All Corpus Christi rules

Texas rules heatmap·Compare Corpus Christi to another location·View the Texas single-use items overview

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