Phoenix retailers have just days left to meet a new city requirement designed to curb the growing problem of abandoned shopping carts across local neighborhoods.
By January 15, any business providing shopping carts to customers must complete an annual shopping cart certification, part of the City of Phoenix’s new ordinance targeting cart-related blight and public safety concerns.
The measure, introduced by the city’s Neighborhood Services Department, requires large retailers to demonstrate they have effective cart management systems in place. That means either using locking wheel mechanisms to prevent carts from leaving store property or establishing a retrieval plan, which includes hiring a cart collection service to recover stray carts quickly.
To comply, retailers must provide details such as the total number of carts they own, a designated contact person, and billing information. Those who fail to meet the certification deadline could face enforcement actions from the city.
Phoenix officials say the ordinance is part of a broader effort to maintain cleaner, safer streets and reduce visual clutter in public spaces.
Full certification details are available on the City of Phoenix’s shopping cart ordinance webpage. Residents can also report abandoned carts by calling 602-534-4444, emailing [email protected], or filing a report through myPHX311.
