Overview

Since 2020, a charge for carry out bags is required in Minneapolis.

Carryout bags include:

• Single-use plastic
• Compostable paper
• Reusable bags

The rules does not apply to boxes.

In this section

• When to collect fees
• Exemptions

Bring Your Own Bag information in Spanish

En 2020, hay nuevas reglas para las bolsas de transporte en la ciudad de Minneapolis.

Leer sobre traiga su propia bolsa

Collecting fees

• Retailers must charge a minimum five cent fee per carryout bag.
• Retailer must charge the fee to customers unless a transaction is specifically exempt.
• Retailers can not choose to absorb the cost.

See a list of exemptions 

More about fees

• The fee is kept by the retailer and is not a tax.
• It can be put towards the cost of the bags, used for other expenses, or donated to charity.
• These fees are not taxable.

Enforcement

The City focuses on education and support for businesses. Enforcement may be necessary if a retailer is out of compliance. This may include administrative citations.

Read the Bring Your Own Bag ordinance

Types of bags exemptions

Bag exemptions include:

• Produce and bulk good bags
• Restaurant carryout bags
• Drycleaning bags
• Newspaper and doorhanger bags
• Litter clean up bags
• Secondhand bags
• Personal belonging bags
• Flower wrap bags
• Prescription drug bags
• Bags brought by a customer
• Bags in packages with multiple bags

Establishment exemptions

Business exemptions include:

• Those without a point of sale system
• Farmers’ markets
• Food banks
• Car dealerships & car washes

Customer exemptions

Those using a voucher or electronic benefits card for a recognized Minnesota food assistance program.