Tulsa, OK Single-Use Items: Plastic Bag Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Local Ordinance
- None. Oklahoma preempts
- Preemption Statute
- 27A O.S. § 2-11-504 (2019)
- Task Force
- Tulsa 2017–2018 Plastic Bag Task Force ended pre-2019
- Carve-Out
- City may regulate on city-owned property
- Drop-Off Partner
- Metropolitan Environmental Trust (M.e.t.)
Summary
Tulsa cannot enforce a 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. Tulsa's M.e.t. (Metropolitan Environmental Trust) operates voluntary recycling drop-offs, including plastic-film stations.
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 including, but not limited to, coated or laminated materials; and 2. Designed for, but not limited to, consuming, transporting, or protecting merchandise, food or beverages from, or at, a food service facility, manufacturing, distribution, further processing, or retail facility. B. No political subdivision shall restrict, tax, prohibit or regulate the use, disposition or sale of auxiliary containers.
Full Breakdown
27A O.S. § 2-11-504, enacted by SB 1001 in 2019, prohibits Oklahoma cities from imposing 'restrictions, taxes, prohibitions or other regulations' on auxiliary containers. The statute defines auxiliary containers to include bags, cups, bottles, and packaging in plastic, paper, cloth, and similar materials. A § 2-11-504(B) exception permits regulation on property the political subdivision owns. Tulsa's 2017–2018 Plastic Bag Task Force studied possible action but the 2019 preemption ended the work before any ordinance was drafted. The City of Tulsa partners with The Metropolitan Environmental Trust (M.e.t.) for citywide drop-off recycling at thirteen sites including the Mohawk Recycling Center, the Tulsa Glass Recycle Center, and the M.e.t. centers on Lewis Avenue and Memorial Drive. M.e.t. accepts plastic film and grocery bags at certain locations. Tulsa's PlanItTulsa long-range plan addresses sustainability through voluntary diversion targets within § 2-11-504 limits.
Violations & Fines
Tulsa cannot cite retailers or shoppers for bag distribution. Bag-related litter is enforceable through Tulsa Revised Ordinances Title 27 (Health and Sanitation) and 21 O.S. § 1761 (criminal littering). The city retains authority under § 2-11-504(B) to ban single-use plastics at city facilities, parks, the BOK Center concession contracts, and on city property generally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tulsa have a plastic bag ban?
What happened to Tulsa's Plastic Bag Task Force?
Where can I recycle plastic bags in Tulsa?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tulsa
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