Medford to fine stores for abandoned shopping carts

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) – Store owners in Medford have a new incentive to retrieve abandoned shopping carts.

The City Council in December agreed to issue $50 fines to owners who don’t retrieve carts within seven days after they are reported abandoned. Carts now must include a phone number for someone to call after finding one.

The Mail Tribune reports the city took action because shopping carts are increasingly turning up in parks and other public places. Parks and Recreation workers collect dozens of shopping carts each week and spend a lot of time trying to get them back to their rightful stores.

Before passing the ordinance, the city contacted more than 50 markets and other businesses that use shopping carts. Most opposed the fine, but supported the idea of a centralized location where carts could be picked up.

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Information from: Mail Tribune, http://www.mailtribune.com/