Cupertino city is preparing to discuss a plastic bag ban.

Cupertino in California is preparing to put an end to its single-use plastic bags.

The city is preparing to talk about banning the bag and will be holding two public meetings to inform residents more about the proposals, Mercury News reports.

On January 8th businesses in the community will be able to discuss their concerns and views on the ordinance, while a meeting for residents will take place the following day.

Each of the presentations are aimed at preparing local people for a public hearing on January 15th, when Cupertino City Council will review and perhaps vote on the regulations.

The city's environmental affairs coordinator, Erin Cooke told the news publication: "We're trying to get out as much information and detail as we can before January 15th."

Should the ordinance come into effect then free, single-use plastic carryout bags would be banned, following similar laws passed in Sunnyvale and San Jose in the past year.

Stores would then be required to charge ten cents for paper bags and durable carryout bags designed for multiple use.

The only organisations exempt from these plans would be restaurants and non-profit charitable groups.

Plastic bags would still be allowed to be used for covering fruit, vegetables and meat in grocery stores, however they must not have handles.

Should all these proposals be approved then it would come into effect on October 1st 2013, giving retailers adequate time to prepare for the changes.

Shoppers would also have time to collect reusable bags and get into the habit of using these bags.

Under the new plans all retailers would need to keep a record of the purchase and sale of any recycled paper bag or reusable bag, as a city inspector is tasked with monitoring these figures.

Cupertino is planning to adopt similar plans to neighbouring cities, in order to create a consistent set of regulations and reduce customer confusion.

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