The city of St. Paul is still studying a plan to ban restaurants and convenience stores from offering take-out food containers that are not recyclable or compostable, but a public hearing has been postponed for 3 1/2 months.

City Council Member Mitra Nelson told the council on Wednesday that she is still working with fellow Council Member Jane Prince, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter’s office and impacted businesses to refine the details.

The council rejected a proposal from city staff a year ago, but chose to revisit the issue after 12 months, giving more time for small businesses to understand the costs and adjust to the city’s paid sick leave mandate and a separate ban on menthol cigarettes.

Nelson said in light of other pressing discussions such as the city budget and a proposed $15 minimum wage, it made sense to again delay a final decision and hold a public hearing next year.

At her recommendation, the council voted to revisit the proposed ban on non-recyclable take-out containers with a public hearing and final vote scheduled for Feb. 20.