Alabama Plastic Bag Local Preemption Law

Code of Alabama Section 11-89C-10 prohibits municipalities and counties from adopting or enforcing ordinances that regulate the use, sale, distribution, taxation, or imposition of fees on auxiliary containers, which include plastic and paper bags, cups, bottles, and similar items. The 2019 statute centralizes container policy at the state level and bars local plastic bag bans or fees. Existing pre-enactment local rules are also preempted. The law was intended to provide regulatory uniformity for retailers operating across Alabama.

Local ordinances banning or taxing plastic bags or other auxiliary containers are unenforceable and void.