Newport City Council’s new abandoned trolley policy has come into effect this week, giving the authority stronger powers to deal with shopping trolleys left on pavements, in green spaces and other public areas.
The policy, formally adopted late last year, aims to tackle what has become a growing source of frustration for local communities. It forms part of the council’s wider commitment to reducing waste, supporting cleaner streets and improving neighbourhoods across the city.
How the policy works
The council has formally adopted Schedule 4 of Section 99 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, as amended by the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.
Under these powers, the council can now seize and remove abandoned trolleys, with landowner consent where required. Trolleys can be stored for up to six weeks, with formal notices issued to identified owners.
If unclaimed after six weeks, the trolleys can be disposed of or recycled. The council can also recover costs from retailers linked to the trolley’s collection, storage and disposal.
A standard charge of £100 per trolley will be applied to the retailer identified as the likely owner. The council says this is less than the average cost of buying a new trolley. Any income generated will be ring fenced and reinvested into waste enforcement and anti fly tipping work.
The policy applies to all trolleys found on public land or adopted highways. Trolleys on private land remain the responsibility of the landowner, although the council may remove them in some circumstances at the request or with the consent of the landowner.
Trolleys found in rivers, watercourses or on railway land must be removed by the relevant agency responsible for that land, such as Natural Resources Wales or Network Rail.
What it means for residents
The council says the new approach should lead to fewer abandoned trolleys in local communities, improving the appearance of neighbourhoods and helping to reduce waste, litter and associated anti social behaviour.
Residents can report abandoned trolleys through the council’s website, via the My Newport app, or by calling the contact centre on 01633 656656.
Trolleys identified during routine council duties will also be logged and retrieved where appropriate.
