In response to widespread complaints, safety hazards and environmental damage, Hobsons Bay City Council in Melbourne has developed a Code of practice for the management of abandoned shopping trolleys.
Council worked in partnership with local retailers and the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), Victoria.
“Council started a dialogue with the ARA because the best solution was a sustainable long term approach,” said Tony De Fazio, Manager Administrative Services. “All parties have a responsibility. The working group, involving Council, ARA and local retailers, developed a policy code regarding abandoned shopping trolleys.
“The whole process pivots on education, awareness and enforcement. Each party is contributing.”
For example, retailers are using a sign on the counter informing shoppers about their responsibilities for trolleys. Council has placed articles in the local press and in various pamphlets. Extensive use is being made of the ARA hotline to have abandoned trolleys removed.
“The combination of measures has a achieved a significant reduction in trolleys left abandoned,” he said.
The strategy is also significant because it identified the need to review trolley collection times. Council suggested that the trolley collection times needed to be altered to later in the evening to ensure that most trolleys were collected.
Also the area covered by trolley collection was extended to a one kilometre radius of the respective shopping centres. This provided the opportunity to pick up abandoned trolleys in residential streets.
“The lesson is that where there is a community issue, communication, consultation and collaboration are vital to assist in resolving it,” Tony De Fazio said.“In working with the people involved, developing a partnership, coming up with joint solutions and then implementing those solutions means there is a high level of ownership and accountability.”
For further information contact Tony De Fazio, Manager Administrative Services, telephone (03) 9932 1040.
