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Abandoned Shopping Trolley Policy

1. The Council will comply with its duty in relation to abandoned shopping trolleys, using the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.

   1. Residents will be given the opportunity to report abandoned trolleys via the council's Contact Centre (01375 652652). This provides a single point of contact. These reports will then be processed by Street Officers or Community Protection Officers. Options will also be in place to report abandoned trolleys online.

   2. On receipt of a report the store will be advised by fax/telephone/email. They will be requested to take ownership of the trolley and collect. If the store is unable to provide a collection service, Street Services will arrange collection and store the trolley for six weeks in accordance with the guidance.

   3. The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 states that where the six-week period has expired and the trolley has not been claimed (or has been claimed but the demanded charges not paid), the Authority is entitled to sell or dispose of it.

   4. At the end of this period the trolley will be disposed of and a Charge Notice (£100) sent to the store.

   5. Every effort will be made to work with the supermarket managers to reduce the number of trolleys found abandoned. This partnership working will include education and advice informing shoppers that trolleys must not be removed from premises.

   Note: Definition- A 'shopping trolley' is a trolley provided by the owner of a shop to customers to enable them to carry goods purchased at the shop. This definition excludes power-assisted trolleys. The powers in the Clean Neighbourhoods & Environment Act 2005 apply to trolleys in any condition, and therefore may be used in relation to unserviceable trolleys and trolley parts.

Report an incident online

Discarded Shopping Trolleys - report online Shopping trolleys that have been removed from supermarkets and discarded in parks or rivers, or by roadsides, are not only unsightly but also present a environmental hazard. We strongly discourage the discarding of shopping trolleys and aim to ensure that our communities and public spaces are not spoiled in this way.

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