Trolley dumpers face staggering new fines under sweeping council powers

The staggering amount shoppers risk being fined for abandoning trolleys in public has been revealed under sweeping powers coming to one state.

Fines for abandoning trolleys and property on the streets will triple under sweeping new powers being rolled out to NSW councils.

The changes, set to come into effect from November, mean shoppers face a staggering $660 fine if they dump their trolley in public.

That’s triple the current amount of $220.

Businesses who don’t collect the abandoned property risk being slugged $1320 just for one trolley.

Under the legislation, the fines may compound for additional items like scooters and bicycles.

Fines of $660 for shoppers abandoning trolleys in public places will kick in from next week across NSW councils.

The hefty penalties are part of a bid to clean up public spaces, including streets and parks, across NSW.

Abandoned trolleys alone cost the state government $17m a year in picking up the unattended items, NSW Local Government Minister Wendy Tuckerman said.

“These new laws will not only save councils time and money, they’ll also ensure public spaces are safer, more accessible and more enjoyable for our communities,” she said.

The new laws also apply to items like boat trailers, unregistered cars, trailers and caravans, share bikes, kayaks and surfboards.

If they’re deemed an obstruction or safety risk, the owners of those items could be fined $330 or a maximum court-imposed fine of $2750.

Stock owners who let their animals wander onto private land risk being fined $660 per animal from May next year.

Ms Tuckerman said there would be a six-month grace period where warnings will be issued instead of fines.