The Southern California city of Wildomar has implemented a new ordinance that imposes fines on businesses for abandoned shopping carts found in public areas. The city council voted unanimously to adopt the measure, aimed at curbing the "nuisance" of carts accumulating on sidewalks, in drainage systems, and posing safety hazards.
Under the ordinance, businesses operating in Wildomar, a city of approximately 37,000 residents, could face fines of $100 per cart found outside of designated store areas. This action follows numerous public complaints regarding the unsightly and obstructive nature of abandoned carts.
Wildomar is not alone in its efforts to combat the problem. Other California cities have recently enacted similar measures. Last year, Eureka, California, introduced a rule charging businesses $80 per cart that city employees are required to return. Brawley, located in Imperial County, also unanimously approved an ordinance last year to address its own issues with misplaced shopping carts, with the local police chief citing concerns over public health hazards and interference with traffic.
The pushback against abandoned carts has been facilitated by a state-level change. Last year, Sacramento passed a bill that allows city workers to return stray carts to retailers immediately, removing a previous three-day waiting period. This change, championed by Senator Dave Cortese (D-Silicon Valley), updated what he described as an "outdated" law.
According to new state guidance, cities can now fine businesses up to $100 per retrieved cart. Senator Cortese emphasized that abandoned carts are more than just an aesthetic problem, noting they create safety hazards, block pedestrian access, pollute waterways, and incur cleanup costs for cities and taxpayers. Other California cities that have implemented crackdowns include Duarte, Glendale, and Fortuna.