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.
Under Minn. Stat. 471.9998, Minnesota cities and counties cannot fully ban single-use plastic carryout bags, but they may impose per-bag fees, require recyclable or compostable materials, or run reusable bag programs. Minneapolis adopted a five-cent bag fee on carryout bags under this framework. St. Louis Park and Edina have explored similar approaches. Hennepin County encourages reuse and recycling through its solid waste program rather than imposing a countywide ban. Retailers must collect and remit fees and post point-of-sale notices where required.
Failing to collect required bag fees or violating recyclable-material rules can result in administrative penalties under city retail license and solid waste codes.
See how Hennepin County's plastic bag rules rules stack up against other locations.
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