Abandoning trolleys and property on streets will soon become a much more expensive proposition in New South Wales, with fines set to increase threefold under the new legislation for trolley dumpers.
The state government is giving councils the power to issue on-the-spot fines of up to $660 for dumping trolleys in public.
That is triple the current amount of $220.
If businesses don’t collect the abandoned property, they could be charged $1320 for one trolley.
The move comes as part of a wider crackdown on abandoned trolleys, which costs the state an estimated $17 million a year to clean up.
Under the new laws, which come into effect in November, councils will also be able to issue infringements for a range of other offences, including graffiti and illegal dumping.
Fines may be issued for additional items like scooters and bicycles.
The government says the increased fines are necessary to deter people from littering, and that the money raised will go towards cleaning up the state’s streets.
The new laws also apply to unregistered cars, boat trailers, trailers, caravans, share bikes, kayaks, and surfboards.
The council says that the new fines and patrols are part of a wider effort to make the city cleaner and more pleasant for everyone. They have also urged residents to report any incidents of littering or fly-tipping, so that the culprits can be caught and punished.
NSW Local Government Minister Wendy Tuckerman said the state government spends $17 million a year picking up unattended trolleys that have been abandoned.
“Not only will these new laws save councils time and money, but they will also ensure that public spaces are safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable for our communities,” she said.
Trolley dumping is a serious problem in many cities and towns across Australia, and the new fines are a welcome deterrent. However, the real solution lies in changing the culture around trolley use, so that people think twice before dumping them in the first place.
With the new laws set to come into effect soon, councils are urging people to be mindful of their rubbish and to dispose of it responsibly. Otherwise, they may find themselves facing a hefty fine.
