Knoxville cannot ban or tax plastic carryout bags. Tennessee Code 68-211-1101 preempts local regulation of auxiliary containers, including bags, cups, and packaging, leaving choice to retailers and consumers.
In 2019 the Tennessee General Assembly enacted TCA 68-211-1101, which preempts any local government from prohibiting, restricting, taxing, or charging fees on auxiliary containers, defined to include plastic and paper bags, bottles, cups, packaging, and similar items. Knoxville therefore cannot adopt a plastic bag ban, fee, or mandatory paper alternative even though the city has explored sustainability goals through its Climate Action Plan. The Knoxville Office of Sustainability instead promotes voluntary reusable bag programs, retailer pledges, and education campaigns. Retailers may individually adopt bag fees or alternatives, and the city continues to support recycling drop-off for plastic film at participating grocers.
Because the city cannot regulate, there are no consumer or retailer penalties. Any local ordinance attempting a ban would be void under state preemption and subject to legal challenge.
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