Does Oklahoma City, OK have its own plastic bag rules ordinance?

No. Oklahoma City, OK does not appear to have a local plastic bag rules ordinance, Oklahoma state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from 27A O.S. § 2-11-504.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City, OK Single-Use Items: Plastic Bag Rules (2026)

Few Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Local Ordinance: None. Oklahoma preempts
Preemption Statute: 27A O.S. § 2-11-504 (2019)
Original Bill: SB 1001 (Stitt, April 23, 2019)
Carve-Out: City may regulate on city-owned property
Curbside Status: Bags NOT accepted in Big Blue Cart

Summary

Oklahoma City cannot enforce a plastic bag ban or fee. 27A O.S. § 2-11-504 provides that 'no political subdivision shall restrict, tax, prohibit or regulate the use, disposition or sale of auxiliary containers.' Governor Stitt signed the preemption (SB 1001) into law in 2019 specifically to block emerging local bag ordinances.

Impermissible restrictions on auxiliary containers. A. As used in this section, "auxiliary container" means any bag, cup, package, container, bottle, device or other packaging that is: 1. Made of cloth, paper, plastic, including foamed or expanded plastic, cardboard, corrugated material, aluminum, glass, postconsumer recycled material or similar material... B. Except for subsection D of this section, no political subdivision shall restrict, tax, prohibit or regulate the use, disposition or sale of auxiliary containers.

Source: 27A O.S. § 2-11-504View official code

Full Breakdown

27A O.S. § 2-11-504, enacted by SB 1001 in 2019, prohibits any political subdivision from imposing 'restrictions, taxes, prohibitions or other regulations' on the 'use, disposition or sale of auxiliary containers', defined to include bags, cups, bottles, and similar packaging in plastic, paper, cloth, or other materials. The statute carved out only one exception: a county or municipality may continue to regulate auxiliary containers on property the political subdivision owns. The bill passed after Norman, Stillwater, and Edmond began drafting bag-related ordinances; it became law April 23, 2019. Oklahoma City never proceeded with a bag ordinance, the City Council's 2018 Sustainability Subcommittee draft was dropped after the 2019 preemption. The City of Oklahoma City Solid Waste Division operates the Big Blue Cart curbside recycling program (no plastic bags), the Buy Refuse Recycle education campaign, and partners with Keep Oklahoma City Beautiful on cleanup events. The city's 2020 ADAPTOKC Sustainability Plan targets voluntary diversion within § 2-11-504 limits.

Violations & Fines

Oklahoma City cannot fine retailers for distributing plastic bags. Bag-related litter is enforceable through Oklahoma City Municipal Code Chapter 41 (Solid Waste) and 21 O.S. § 1761 (criminal littering). The city can still regulate bags at its own facilities under the § 2-11-504 carve-out: for example, banning single-use plastics at Civic Center events or city parks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Oklahoma City have a plastic bag ban?

No. Oklahoma City has no plastic bag ban or fee. 27A O.S. § 2-11-504 (SB 1001, 2019) preempts all Oklahoma political subdivisions from regulating auxiliary containers, except on property they own.

Can Oklahoma City ban plastic bags at city events?

Yes, under the § 2-11-504 carve-out for city-owned property. The city could ban single-use plastics at the Civic Center, city parks, or vendor contracts on city facilities. It cannot extend rules to private retailers anywhere in Oklahoma City.

Where can I recycle plastic bags in Oklahoma City?

At plastic-film drop-off bins at Walmart, Target, and Crest Foods front entrances. The Big Blue Cart curbside recycling program does NOT accept plastic bags: they jam the MRF sorting equipment and are pulled out as contamination.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Oklahoma City

Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome Restrictions Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSignificant Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions Fire Regulations: FireworksSome Restrictions

All Oklahoma City rules

Compare Oklahoma City to another location·View the Oklahoma single-use items overview

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.