New Statute Outlaws Shopping Cart Policy

Just when they thought they licked the problem of abandoned shopping carts littering the streets, city officials are having to rethink their strategy. A new state statute in effect outlaws Costa Mesa’s shopping cart retrieval policy.

In September, the city began collecting abandoned carts as soon as they were reported by residents and returning them to local markets for a fee. But the new law requires that carts be left on the street for 72 hours before the city can intervene.

“It’s a blow to us because it ties our hands,” said Irma Hernandez, management analyst for the city.

Hernandez said the new statute, which was sponsored by the California Grocers Assn. and takes effect Jan. 1, also requires cities to call market officials and tell them where their stray carts have been spotted by residents.

Costa Mesa residents have complained to city officials for years that stray carts could be found in every corner of the city, conveying an image of blight.