FAQ

Abandoned trolleys can pose a danger to motorists and pedestrians, particularly those with disabilities. They often block footpaths and roads around shopping centres.

They are also an eyesore, and can be found dumped in parks and waterways.

The new by-law would put the onus on retailers and the community to keep trolleys off the streets. Council understands that the true responsibility for the problem lies with shoppers, but for effective enforcement (making a solution to dumped trolleys more likely) the by-law encourages retailers to take action as well as shoppers.

Council launched a community awareness campaign to end trolley dumping in May 2018. The campaign received a huge amount of public support.

In July 2018 it brought together more than 40 retailers, government organisations and other Councils at a summit to seek a solution to the problem.

Feedback from retailers was that no one wanted to pay to develop a better collection system unless all competitors faced the same costs – the proposed by-law ensures all major retailers are treated equally.

Council staff regularly report abandoned trolleys to retailers for collection.

Retailers have a responsibility to keep the city tidy, and installing containment systems is a practical solution. Council engaged with retailers about fixing the problem in 2018, but nothing has changed.

Council is expected to consider the results of community consultation in January 2020.

If Council decides to proceed with the by-law it must be approved by a parliamentary committee. The by-law could be introduced in late 2020.

Options include:

Electronic locking – a mechanism that automatically locks a trolley’s wheels if an attempt is made to remove it from a shopping centre car park

Coin deposit - the customer receives a refund when they return a trolley

People could ask a relative or friend to help them.

People who are frail or aged may be eligible to use the City of Marion Community Bus, or access volunteer support. Additionally, people can consider purchasing a personal shopping caddy.

Under the Local Government Act:

the maximum expiation fee that can be set for Council by-laws is $187.50

the maximum penalty a court could impose would be $750

Council is introducing laws that would:

• Create an offence for a person who does not comply with a direction from an authorised officer to return a trolley to a shopping centre
• Create an offence for shopping centres with containment systems that do not collect trolleys taken from their premises within 72 hours
• Create an offence for shopping centres without containment systems that do not immediately collect a trolley taken from their premises