In July 2024, the Salisbury City Council enacted Ordinance 2878, which establishes responsibilities for the owners of abandoned shopping carts to ensure the carts do not leave their property. Below are the key provisions of the ordinance:
- Identification: Each shopping cart provided to customers must display a permanently affixed sign indicating the cart’s owner.
- Signage Requirement: All stores with shopping carts must post and maintain signage at all customer entry and exit points, clearly stating that removing shopping carts from the property is prohibited by City law.
- Customer Permissions: Store owners may allow customers to take a cart off the premises with written permission, provided the cart is returned within 72 hours.
- Impoundment Fees: If the City impounds a shopping cart, a fine of $25.00 will be charged for each cart upon its return to the business. In cases where ten or more carts from a single business are impounded, they will be returned, and a fine will be issued for each cart.
- Potential Waivers: If a business demonstrates effective procedures to prevent cart abandonment, loss, or theft, the Director of HCDD may waive any fines.
Here is a link to a sign that may be used to display in the business.