A recent article by news.com.au has highlighted a growing challenge for Australian suburbs: the surge in dumped and abandoned shopping trolleys. According to our latest data, reports of abandoned trolleys jumped from 146k to 164k in just twelve months, representing an 11% increase year on year.
Abandoned trolleys are now the third most reported issue to Snap Send Solve nationwide, sitting right behind dumped rubbish and illegal parking. Our CEO, Danny Gorog, told news.com.au that this is "not a victimless act," as these items create genuine barriers for people in wheelchairs, parents with prams, and those with mobility aids.
Beyond accessibility, the article details the serious environmental and financial impacts of the trend:
- Environmental damage: When dumped in waterways, trolleys rust, leach metals, and trap debris, which can lead to blockages and flooding.
- Visual pollution: Frequent dumping can make a suburb feel neglected and degraded.
- Economic cost: The cost of retrieving and replacing thousands of trolleys is often passed down to consumers and ratepayers.
Authorities are testing new ways to curb the problem, from Liverpool City Council’s plan to provide residents with their own trolleys to new laws in South Australia that clarify who is responsible for picking them up.
Snapping abandoned trolleys remains a simple way to help. By using Snap Send Solve to notify the responsible retailer or collection service, you can help keep our footpaths clear and make sure your neighbourhood stays clean and accessible for everyone.
Read the full article here.
Meet Molly, our amazing Marketing Coordinator! She's super creative and dedicated, whether she's handling Snapper comms or walking her dog, Candy. Molly loves Snapping e-scooters to help create a more accessible city for everyone.
