THE problem has improved, but the war on shopping trolleys is by no means over.
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Bathurst Regional Council met with major retailers in July last year to discuss the ongoing issue of trolleys being discarded across Bathurst.
Since then, the number of trolleys being left around the central business district has reduced, but further afield trolleys continue to be left on the streets.
"It's disappointing there are people in the community who think that's decent behaviour," councillor Alex Christian said.
He and fellow councillor Jess Jennings have said that supermarkets, as well as community members, need to take more responsibility over abandoned trolleys.
Coin-operated locks are still the best method to reduce the problem in Cr Christian's eyes, and he wants major franchises to put hem on all their trolleys.
"I know that it has been effective in Orange. I don't know what the reluctance is to not do that in Bathurst," he said.
While Cr Jennings acknowledged that locks can be effective, he still believes GPS trackers in the trolleys would be the key to making sure any abandoned trolleys are found and returned.
He said that the supermarkets should be held accountable for trolleys not being collected, including ones that end up in the Macquarie River.
"I think one possible solution would be to put GPS trackers in them, that way you'd be able to find every shopping trolley every time," Cr Jennings said.
"Why should council or any other public money be spent on pulling their rubbish out of the rivers?"
He added that, if they weren't prepared to use GPS technology, then they need to occasionally do a sweep of the river as well when looking for trolleys.
In the meantime, Cr Christian has encouraged people to keep reporting abandoned trolleys.
"It comes down to everyone sharing their civic duty and if people see a trolley, then you need to call Trolley Tracker to collect them, especially if they are in the river," he said.
Trolley Tracker collects Woolworths, Big W, Dan Murphy's and IGA trolleys. Any Coles or Target trolleys can be reported by calling 1800 876 553 or visiting the Coles website.