Cessnock councillor Paul Dunn recently counted seven trolleys dumped on Mount View Road in one day, and after receiving three complaints about trolleys from residents within a week, Cr Dunn was prompted to raise the issue at council’s July 5 meeting.

He asked that council investigate other councils’ policies regarding dumped trolleys and the accountability of retailers for their removal, and devise a policy that provides a solution to the problem.

Cr Dunn said while people have a personal responsibility, he believes the overall responsibility should lie with the trolley owners. 

Cessnock City Council is now calling on large retailers and community members to do their bit in minimising the number of trolleys being left unattended.

Council’s ranger team leader Kurt Livens said a collective effort is needed to reduce the number of trolleys being discarded.

“There appears to be a misconception in the community that it is solely the responsibility of council to retrieve abandoned trolleys,” Mr Livens said.

“It is actually the retailers who need to provide adequate drop-off points and must also take responsibility for wayward trolleys.”

While the council is not directly responsible for the collection of trolleys, staff do work closely with organisations such as Trolley Tracker in order to reduce the problem.

Woolworths and Big W trolleys should be reported to Trolley Tracker (via the app or by calling 1800 641 497), while Coles trolleys can be reported to 1800 TROLLEY (1800 876 553) or via the Trolley Collect App.

Rangers can issue on-the-spot fines to people leaving an abandoned shopping trolley in a public place (as set out in Section 32 of the Impounding Act).