City council offers 'granny trolleys' to cut grocery bills and tackle abandoned carts

A local council has unveiled a creative initiative inspired by old-fashioned practicality to address a common urban eyesore affecting many neighbourhoods.

A new trial program will offer a low-cost alternative to help residents—especially those without personal transport—make shopping easier while aiming to improve the local environment and tidiness.


The initiative, which is both a nod to the past and a step towards a sustainable future, will see up to 500 personal two-wheeler shopping trolleys made available at a subsidised rate.

This move is practical and financially savvy, as it could help locals slash their grocery bills by avoiding the need for car trips to the supermarket.

Deputy Mayor Peter Harle sees this retro-inspired solution as a common-sense approach to a modern-day nuisance.


1745889872817.png
A trial is being launched to reduce dumped trolleys by providing subsidised 'granny trolleys' to residents.


'While the law places responsibility for trolleys fair and square at the supermarkets, Council is left with the problem, and so Council has come up with a solution,' Harle stated.

'Years ago, every home had its own shopping trolley, and by going 'back to the future,' we can probably find a common-sense solution to a massive problem.'

The problem of dumped trolleys is more than just an eyesore; it's an environmental concern that Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun believes can be addressed through what he calls a 'classic circular economy solution.'

By encouraging the use of personal trolleys, the council aims to reduce waste and promote recycling.


The council's Environmental Levy, a pool of resources dedicated to fostering eco-friendly practices within the community, will fund the granny trolley initiative.

This proactive stance comes after the council impounded nearly 1,200 trolleys in just two months, most of which were collected by supermarket owners who were charged a retrieval fee.

However, the council is not stopping there. They've warned of an upcoming 'trolley blitz' in May, where shops could face fines of up to $1,320 per abandoned trolley.

This tough stance is a clear message to supermarkets that the responsibility for trolley management cannot be ignored.

In a more drastic measure earlier this year, the council destroyed abandoned trolleys using a machine nicknamed 'the Croc,' which was previously used to dismantle old mattresses.

This drastic action ensured that the metal from the trolleys could be recycled, preventing it from ending up in landfills and further harming the environment.


The granny trolley initiative is a creative and eco-conscious response to a problem that has plagued many urban areas.

It's a solution that benefits the environment and supports the elderly and less mobile members of the community, providing them with a practical tool to manage their shopping needs.

As the council embarks on this trial, residents have an opportunity to embrace a sustainable lifestyle change that could have a lasting positive impact on their wallets and the world around them.

It's a reminder that sometimes, the best way forward is to take a page from the past.

We at the Seniors Discount Club are excited to see such innovative thinking in action and encourage our members to consider the benefits of adopting a granny trolley for their shopping needs.

It could help you save on petrol and avoid the hassle of finding a parking spot, but it's also a step towards a cleaner, greener community.
Key Takeaways
  • Liverpool City Council is implementing a trial to reduce the number of dumped supermarket trolleys by offering 'granny trolleys' at a subsidised rate to eligible residents.
  • The initiative aims to provide a retro solution to the modern problem of trolley abandonment and encourage a return to personal shopping trolleys.
  • Nearly 1200 trolleys were impounded by the council in the last two months, with supermarkets being charged for the collection and facing potential fines for future infractions.
  • To deal with abandoned trolleys, Liverpool City Council has previously used a machine called 'the croc' to shred them, allowing the metal to be recycled and reducing landfill waste.
What do you think of this initiative? Would you consider using a granny trolley for your shopping trips? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below.
 

Seniors Discount Club

Sponsored content

Info
Loading data . . .

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×