EPA SA declares war on shopping trolleys

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Have you noticed more and more shopping trolleys littered across Murray Bridge?

Shopping trolleys have long been pests in the rural city, as Murray Bridge News has reported in the past.

But now the Environmental Protection Authority of South Australia is seeking community feedback on whether changes to the Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act will help.

Under the current regulations, retailers have three business days to collect abandoned trolleys after being notified.

If a trolley poses a risk to the public, than that timeframe is shortened.

Retailers can apply for an exemption if a trolley is too dangerous to collect or is on private property.

If a retailer fails to collect a trolley within the allocated timeframe, and does not apply for exemption, then they will face council penalties including a fine of $500.

It is an offence to remove and abandon trolleys from a shopping centre precinct, and offenders face fines of up to $210 if convicted.

The law gives councils the powers to issue legal notices, enforce compliance, and apply penalties to prevent and regulate local nuisances.

The survey asks the community whether they believe the current laws are a strong enough deterrent, or whether more regulations need to be implemented to prevent trolleys being abandoned.

EPA director Geoff Hopwood said the survey was a chance for members of the community to have their input.

"The consultation aims to gather practical experience, evidence and stakeholder views before the state government determines whether regulations should be made," he said.

• Have your say: Visit yoursay.sa.gov.au/local-nuisance-litter-control-regulations-2017-consultation before October 23.
• Read more: Shopping trolley owners need to clean up their act, councillors say
• Read more: Shopping trolley solution is in sight