Agenda item

          The Sub-Committee considered a report which outlined the Council’s powers in relation to the collection of abandoned shopping trolleys and proposed that recommendations be made in respect of the adoption of an Abandoned Shopping Trolley Policy.

          It was noted that Schedule 4 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, as originally enacted, was adopted by the Council in 1991. This dealt with the problem of abandoned shopping (and luggage) trolleys. Subsequently, the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act 2005 amended the 1990 Act and introduced a new system to replace the previous. To apply the new legislation, the Council must adopt the legislation (as amended) again.

          Members were advised should the Council resolve to adopt the new legislation, a Public Notice would be placed in the local press in accordance with Section 99 Environmental Protection Act 1990. The Notice would outline the general effect of the legislation and state the date when it would come into effect (this was intended to be the 1^st August 2011). The Sub-Committee was further advised that the Abandoned Shopping Trolley Policy would:-

·       Help improve the procedures for dealing with trolleys and ensure that the owners of them could be recharged the full cost incurred by the Council in the seizure, removal, storage and return of each trolley that may be required to be dealt with;

·       Provide a strong deterrent and encourage supermarkets and retail outlets whose trolleys were being used in this manner to employ methods to prevent trolleys being taken off site or from being left uncollected within neighbourhoods for any period of time to reduce the problem;

·       Where trolleys were abandoned, the introduction of efficient reporting and collection arrangements would lead to their swifter removal.

It was proposed that local retailers would have the option to enter into a voluntary protocol whereby they would be notified of the local of abandoned trolleys and given a period of time to collect them prior to Council intervention.

In February 2011, local supermarkets and their headquarters were consulted and provided with the opportunity to comment on the Council’s proposals for dealing with abandoned shopping trolleys, the charging arrangements and the option to enter into voluntary protocol. Following consultation, the Council received responses from Asda, Trolleywise, Aldi and Morrisons. Details of those responses were outlined in the report. A summary of the charges proposed for collection, storage, return to owners or trolley disposal were also set out in the report.

          RESOLVED: That

          (1)      the Sub-Committee endorse the adoption of the draft Abandoned Shopping Trolley Policy as set out in the report; and

          (2)      the Council be recommended:

(i)       to adopt Section 99 Schedule 4 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (as amended by the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005) on 1^st August 2011;

(ii)      to adopt the draft Abandoned Shopping Trolley Policy as set out in the report;

(iii)      the Strategic Director – Communities be authorised to determine all matters relating to abandoned shopping trolleys, including the fixing of charges for the purposes of Schedule 4 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (as amended by the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005);

(iv)      the Strategic Director – Communities be given the power to enforce suitable individuals to enforce compliance with the Abandoned Shopping Trolley Policy throughout the Borough.