60 trolleys in one yard! | Northern Rivers News | Local News in Northern Rivers

ONE local resident was keen to not take their shopping trolley back to the supermarket, with Trolley Services Australia reporting that 60 trolleys were found in a Ballina yard recently.

Diane Ayres, Queensland project manager for the company which operates the Trolley Tracker system, has written in a report to go to Ballina Shire Council on February 25 that they received 347 calls reporting 404 abandoned trolleys in Ballina from Woolworths, Big W and Target in the 12 months from December 2008.

While abandoned shopping trolleys are still a problem in Ballina 12 months since the issue came before council, staff report that the situation has improved.

Ms Ayres said there still were people walking away from shopping precincts with shopping trolleys, which they abandon on the street.

“Regardless of the measures implemented by retailers, it is unrealistic to expect that there will ever be a situation where no trolleys will be found on the street,” she wrote.

She reports that Target in Ballina is investigating the use of trolley locks, while Woolworths and Big W stores in Ballina have employed a new contractor who completes daily street runs.

To report abandoned trolleys from these stores, phone 1800 641 497.

Charles Hammersia, Kmart national compliance manager, also has written to council saying Kmart has partnered with Coles Supermarkets’ 1800 876553 free call reporting line.

“Once reported, our business commits to collecting the trolley within 24 hours,” he wrote.

The fine for abandoning a trolley is $110.