Walk into nearly any large retail parking lot today, and you’ll likely spot them: shopping carts, not neatly nestled in their corrals, but scattered haphazardly, some half-hidden behind cars, others precariously close to traffic lanes. It’s a sight so common it almost fades into the background, yet it signifies a problem far more profound than a simple lack of common courtesy. The disappearing shopping cart isn’t just an eyesore; it’s a symptom of complex societal challenges and a growing financial burden that impacts everyone from local taxpayers to the everyday shopper.
For years, the debate surrounding shopping carts has often focused on individual responsibility – who returns their cart, and who doesn’t. But this surface-level discussion belies a much deeper issue that is costing municipalities and retailers “tens of millions of dollars every year,” according to shopping cart experts. This isn’t loose change we’re talking about; this is a significant drain on resources that ultimately affects the prices we pay and the quality of public services in our communities.
The financial toll of these wayward carts is, frankly, staggering. Consider the city of Fayetteville, North Carolina, which spent a whopping $78,468 collecting carts from May 2020 to October 2022. Santa Fe, New Mexico, faced a similar challenge, paying a local contractor $47,000 to round up approximately 3,000 shopping carts around the city in 2021 and 2022. These numbers aren’t outliers; they represent a widespread issue where cities are forced to spend substantial portions of their budgets on a problem that originates outside their direct control.
These municipal expenses aren’t just for collection. Take Dartmouth, Massachusetts, for example. The town charged Walmart $23,000 after public workers collected and stored more than 100 Walmart carts scattered around town over two years. When Walmart applied for a new building permit, the company was told it had to pay thousands of dollars in daily storage fees. As Shawn McDonald, a member of the town’s Select Board, recounted, “It’s a safety issue with these carts careening down the hill. I had one that was left in the road as I was driving. I got to the point where I got pissed.” This sentiment of frustration and concern over safety is echoed by officials in many communities.
For retailers, the financial impact is multifaceted and extends far beyond merely replacing a lost item. Each missing or stolen shopping cart can cost upward of $250 to replace. With approximately 2 million shopping carts stolen or going missing each year, the Food Industry Network estimates a staggering $175 million lost annually in the U.S. alone. This isn’t just a cost to the store; it’s a cost that is inevitably “passed down to shoppers” through increased prices, making everyone pay a little more for their groceries.
It’s important to note, however, that while many online sources circulate a figure of $800 million in annual losses due to shopping cart theft, this number lacks current substantiation. Heather Garlich, Senior Vice President of the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), stated, “I cannot substantiate this number circulating online from the 1990s about cart theft, which was published under our former name. It’s become a bit of an internet rumor.” While the exact figure might be debated, the reality of “tens of millions of dollars” in annual losses is undeniable and a pressing concern for the retail industry.
Beyond the direct costs of replacement and retrieval, retailers suffer from lost revenue when there aren’t enough carts for customers during peak shopping hours. This can lead to frustrated shoppers and missed sales opportunities. Furthermore, the issue creates an additional burden on store personnel, who must devote more work hours to wrangling carts, sometimes even incurring liability risks related to potential injuries during collection. The sheer scale of the problem necessitates a deeper look into *why* these carts are vanishing in such unprecedented numbers.
The reasons behind the surge in missing shopping carts are as varied as they are complex, reflecting a confluence of urban challenges, economic pressures, and societal shifts. One common scenario, particularly prevalent in urban areas, involves individuals using carts to haul their groceries home from the store, only to leave them abandoned around the neighborhood. This speaks to issues of accessibility and transportation in communities where car ownership might be less common or public transit less convenient for large shopping trips.
Another factor, unfortunately, is outright theft. Some individuals repurpose the carts for their own needs, while others steal them specifically for scrap metal. The versatile nature of the shopping cart, a design that has evolved significantly since its introduction in the late 1930s, makes it an attractive target. As Edward Tenner, a distinguished scholar at the Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center, suggests, this misuse of everyday items is an example of “deviant ingenuity,” driven by the simple fact that “there’s really no legitimate way for an individual to buy a supermarket-grade shopping cart.” Their utility outside the store environment often outweighs the perceived risks of taking them.
Environmental factors also play a role, albeit a smaller one. Heavy storms, for instance, can pull unsecured carts away from parking lots and designated corrals. We’ve all seen the image of a rogue cart tumbling down a street or caught in a ditch after a particularly windy day. While not a primary driver of the “record numbers” of missing carts, these instances contribute to the overall problem of abandonment and subsequent retrieval costs.
However, perhaps the largest and most significant factor behind the drastic rise in shopping cart losses is the nationwide increase in homeless populations. Unhoused individuals frequently use shopping carts for critical purposes: to store their belongings, transport essential items, or even incorporate them into makeshift shelter construction. This particular use highlights a profound societal challenge that intertwines with the seemingly mundane problem of missing carts.
The statistics on homelessness paint a stark picture. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reported in 2024 that “Homelessness among people in families with children, individuals, individuals with chronic patterns of homelessness, people staying in unsheltered locations, people staying in sheltered locations, and unaccompanied youth all reached the highest recorded numbers in 2024.” This represents a staggering 771,480 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in the United States, an 18 percent increase compared to 2023 and a 40 percent increase from its low point in 2016.
This “Point-in-Time” (PIT) count, typically conducted in January, offers a snapshot, but it doesn’t reflect the total number of people who experience homelessness throughout the entire year. Nevertheless, these figures are the highest since HUD began reporting on the unhoused population in 2007. The vast majority, 66.4 percent, were individuals, while 33.6 percent were families, with the number of homeless families with children reaching a record high. The number of unaccompanied youth who were homeless also increased for a second straight year, showing a 10 percent rise over 2023.
Demographically, the impact of homelessness is disproportionate. In 2024, 31.7 percent of the homeless were white, 30.6 percent Hispanic, and 29.5 percent Black. Given that the Black population comprises only about 14 percent of the general U.S. population, this indicates a clear overrepresentation within the homeless demographic. Most of the homeless were men, accounting for 60 percent, while women were more commonly found homeless in rural areas than in urban centers.
Geographically, homelessness is concentrated. California holds the highest number of unhoused people, and just five cities—New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, and Denver—accounted for more than one-third of all homeless people in the U.S. Overall, 54.2 percent of the country’s homeless were found in the 50 largest cities, with 23.5 percent in suburban areas and 16.4 percent in rural areas.
Complicating the issue of homelessness further is the significant presence of mental illness and substance abuse. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM) in 2021, some 76 percent of the homeless possessed a mental illness, an estimate supported by the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2024 which put the figure at 67 percent. This means that likely between two-thirds and three-fourths of the homeless suffer from some form of mental illness, with specific challenges including 37 percent suffering from alcohol abuse, 22 percent from drug abuse, 12 percent from schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and 13 percent from major depression.
The historical context for this intersection of mental illness and homelessness is crucial. Prior to the 1960s, mentally ill individuals were routinely institutionalized in state hospitals. However, the deinstitutionalization movement, spurred by influential books like Thomas Szasz’s *The Myth of Mental Illness* (1961) and Ken Kesey’s *One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest* (1962), led to a belief that community-based programs and medication could allow individuals to live independently. Tragically, as psychiatrist E. Fuller Torrey explains, “large numbers of the patients in those hospitals had no families to go to if they were released . . . had a brain impairment that precluded their understanding of their illness and need for medication, and . . . a small number of the patients had a history of dangerousness and required confinement and treatment.” Many of these deinstitutionalized patients, lacking adequate support, ended up homeless.
It is worth noting one positive outlier: homelessness among veterans. According to HUD in 2024, this group, which constitutes just 5 percent of the homeless population, continues to decline, marking the lowest percentage since data collection on veterans began in 2009. This demonstrates that targeted efforts can yield positive results in addressing specific segments of the unhoused population. Globally, the problem of homelessness is also on the rise, with the World Economic Forum reporting an estimated 150 million people unhoused in 2021, a significant increase from 100 million reported by the United Nations in 2005.
In light of these pressing societal issues, the shopping cart transforms from a mere convenience item into a vital, albeit illicitly acquired, tool for survival for many. The scale of homelessness directly correlates with the rise in missing carts, making it clear that this isn’t simply a matter of thoughtlessness but a reflection of deeper economic and social inequities. Retailers, understanding the escalating costs and the complex factors at play, have been compelled to reconsider the very design and security of these essential, yet often disappearing, tools of commerce.
Modern shopping carts are no longer just “wheels and a basket,” as Dan Shaul, Director of the Missouri Grocers Association, observes. They have become increasingly sophisticated, and consequently, more expensive. Supermarkets might maintain 200 to 300 carts, while big-box chains can have up to 800, each costing up to $250. Over the years, stores and manufacturers have even increased the size of carts, subtly encouraging shoppers to buy more items. This investment, coupled with their inherent versatility, only amplifies the financial blow when they disappear.
The seemingly simple shopping cart, a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, is thus at the nexus of several complex problems: urban planning, economic inequality, mental health, and retail profitability. The growing numbers of missing carts are not just an operational headache for stores; they are a clear indicator of broader issues within our communities that demand attention. Understanding these underlying causes is the crucial first step toward finding effective and sustainable solutions, which retailers and municipalities are now actively seeking to implement.
The pervasive issue of disappearing shopping carts, as we’ve explored, is far more than a mere inconvenience; it’s a financial drain on communities and retailers alike, deeply intertwined with complex societal challenges like homelessness. Recognizing the escalating costs and profound implications, stakeholders from urban planners to retail giants are actively seeking and implementing a diverse array of solutions. These range from cutting-edge technological deterrents to stringent policy changes and even a fundamental re-evaluation of how we approach underlying social issues, all aimed at stemming the tide of runaway carts and restoring order to our retail landscapes.
One of the most prominent responses to the runaway cart conundrum has been the widespread adoption of technological interventions designed to keep carts within designated boundaries. These systems leverage sophisticated engineering to transform the humble shopping cart into a “smart” asset, capable of self-policing its location. At the forefront are perimeter systems, which create an invisible boundary around a store using radio frequencies. The front left wheel of these “smart” carts contains an embedded sensor that causes the wheel to lock instantaneously if it attempts to cross this invisible fence. This effectively grounds the cart, preventing its unauthorized removal from the property and significantly reducing the number of carts that wander off-site. The demand for these “SmartWheel” radio-frequency locks, offered by companies like Gatekeeper Systems, has notably increased during the pandemic, signaling a growing industry-wide reliance on such innovations.
Complementing these sophisticated locking mechanisms are features like the “anti-tilt bar,” a seemingly simple rigid bar often found near the base of a rear wheel. While it might look unassuming, its purpose is multifaceted and crucial for the system’s integrity and broader safety. These bars are specifically designed to prevent individuals from “popping a wheelie” to lift the locked front wheel off the ground and bypass the perimeter system. Without the anti-tilt bar, a determined individual might still be able to drag a cart away, rendering the primary locking mechanism far less effective. This ingenuity, ironically, counters the “deviant ingenuity” of those who repurpose carts, ensuring the technology’s effectiveness in its intended role.
Beyond preventing the circumvention of security systems, anti-tilt bars serve other vital functions that address common misuses and hazards. They act as a powerful deterrent against “cart surfing,” a dangerous activity where individuals push a cart at speed and then leap onto its bottom rack, turning it into an impromptu, and often perilous, joyride. By making it difficult to tilt the cart backward, these bars effectively remove the possibility of engaging in such reckless behavior, enhancing safety not just in parking lots but also on public sidewalks where stray carts might become impromptu surfboards. Furthermore, some carts integrate a “friction wheel mechanism” that adds resistance when a cart rolls downhill. This critical feature prevents unattended carts from careening into parked cars, a common cause of vehicle damage that often leads to frustration, insurance claims, and additional financial costs for both shoppers and retailers.
Another advanced layer of technological protection, particularly effective for combating organized retail crime and opportunistic shoplifting, comes in the form of “push-out theft prevention systems.” These sophisticated systems go a step further than mere perimeter locks by actively detecting whether a cart has gone through a checkout lane. If a shopper attempts to leave the store with a full cart without completing a transaction, these systems will automatically engage and lock the wheels with the “fury of a nightclub bouncer in a college town,” as one expert colorfully put it. This directly addresses the problem of people simply running out with a cart full of items, ensuring that merchandise remains within the store until properly purchased and preventing substantial losses for retailers.
The investment in such high-tech solutions is, without a doubt, substantial. As Brett Nelson, CEO of The Peggs Company, a leading U.S. shopping cart firm and a third-generation “shopping cart guy,” points out, these perimeter and push-out systems can add “between $60 to $100 per cart, not counting the cost of the system itself or maintenance.” Given that supermarkets might operate with 200 to 300 carts and big-box chains up to 800, this represents a significant outlay for retailers, who already operate on “razor-thin profit margins.” However, the burgeoning costs associated with replacing missing carts—upwards of $250 each—and the expenses of retrieval, which can reach “tens of millions of dollars every year,” often make these preventative measures a highly worthwhile investment. Stores like Wegmans, for example, have explicitly stated that “The cost of replacing carts as well as the cost of locating and returning missing carts to the store led to our decision to implement the technology,” recognizing the long-term savings.
Despite their undeniable effectiveness in mitigating losses, these technological solutions are not without their critics or operational challenges. Viral videos on platforms like TikTok, for instance, capture “Target customers struggling to push around carts with wheeled locks” that have activated prematurely or malfunctioned. Such incidents can lead to significant customer frustration and potentially negative shopping experiences, underscoring the delicate balance retailers must strike between enhanced security and maintaining a seamless, enjoyable shopping environment. Retailers also face a “high maintenance input” with some systems, as once locked, each wheel might need to be individually reset, and there’s often no immediate way to identify which specific carts have engaged their locks, adding to staff workload.
Beyond technology, municipalities are also stepping up their efforts to address the issue through a combination of policy and rigorous enforcement. Across the country, cities are enacting or proposing laws that directly target the problem of stray carts, acknowledging their negative impact on public spaces. These measures often involve imposing significant fines on retailers for abandoned carts found off-property. Dartmouth, Massachusetts, for example, famously charged Walmart $23,000 after public workers spent two years collecting and storing over 100 of their carts found scattered around town. When Walmart later sought a new building permit, they were compelled to pay thousands of dollars in daily storage fees, underscoring the serious financial implications for businesses failing to proactively manage their cart inventory and the resolve of local governments.
Further emphasizing municipal resolve, cities like Ogden, Utah, have approved ordinances that not only fine people who take or possess store carts but also authorize the city to charge retailers a fee—$2 a day—for storage and handling of retrieved lost carts. This robust, dual-pronged approach aims to hold both individuals and businesses accountable for the widespread nuisance. “Abandoned shopping carts have become an increasing nuisance on public and private properties throughout the city,” the Ogden city council stated, justifying their measure by noting the “considerable amounts of time” city officials spend on collection and disposal. These local ordinances demonstrate a growing recognition that the problem requires a concerted, regulatory effort that extends beyond what retailers can achieve solely through in-store measures, seeking to reclaim public spaces from blight and hazards.
From the consumer perspective, some retailers are implementing systems that cleverly incentivize the return of carts through a small, refundable deposit. The most well-known example in the U.S. is the German grocery chain Aldi, which requires customers to deposit a quarter to unlock a cart from its corral. This quarter is then conveniently returned to the shopper when the cart is safely brought back to its designated spot. This coin-lock system, widely popular and effective in Europe, is gaining traction in the U.S. as companies seek practical, customer-driven solutions to offset the escalating costs of runaway carts. While some critics argue that a mere quarter won’t deter someone truly intent on stealing a cart, for the vast majority of shoppers, it provides a simple, yet surprisingly effective, nudge towards responsible cart usage, transforming a potential loss into a minor, refundable transaction.
Other nascent “smart” solutions, though not yet widely deployed or detailed in specific examples within the context, hint at exciting future possibilities for consumer engagement. These could include the use of “QR codes and member IDs to unlock and track carts,” which would not only deter theft but also provide retailers with valuable customer insights and marketing opportunities. Such systems could potentially offer incentives or “VIP experiences” to shoppers who consistently demonstrate responsible cart-returning behavior, fostering loyalty and positive engagement. This approach represents an intelligent blend of advanced technology, behavioral engineering, and customer-centric psychology, aiming to solve the ongoing problem of missing carts while simultaneously enhancing the overall shopping experience.
However, a truly comprehensive and sustainable solution must extend far beyond the immediate measures of technology and fines to address the deep-rooted societal causes illuminated in the first section of this article. As the context pointedly suggests, considering broader structural changes “Apart from increasing affordable housing and improving public transit and accessibility?” is not just an option, but a fundamental necessity. The drastic rise in homeless populations, coupled with pervasive issues of mental illness and substance abuse, directly correlates with the increased use of shopping carts as essential, albeit illicitly acquired, tools for survival, highlighting a humanitarian crisis.
Therefore, any meaningful long-term strategy must include robust, well-funded initiatives aimed at providing adequate affordable housing options, thereby reducing the sheer necessity for individuals to use carts as mobile storage or shelter. Simultaneously, improving public transportation infrastructure and accessibility, particularly in urban and underserved areas, can significantly alleviate the practical need for people to haul heavy groceries home using store carts. Furthermore, expanding access to comprehensive mental health services and addiction recovery programs is paramount. The context reveals that likely “between two-thirds and three-fourths of the homeless suffer from some form of mental illness” and significant percentages struggle with alcohol or drug abuse. Addressing these complex health challenges is not merely a social responsibility but a crucial step towards stabilizing lives and reducing the dependence on informal solutions like shopping carts.
The success observed in reducing homelessness among veterans—the “only category among the homeless to decline” since data collection began in 2009—serves as a powerful, real-world testament to the efficacy of targeted, comprehensive efforts. This demonstrates that when resources are appropriately focused and strategies are tailored to specific segments of the unhoused population, positive results *can* be achieved. By learning from and replicating such successful models, communities can aspire to address the broader homelessness crisis, thereby indirectly, yet significantly, reducing the reliance on shopping carts outside of their intended retail purpose and contributing to the overall well-being of individuals.
Ultimately, the runaway cart conundrum is far more than an operational headache for retailers; it is a microcosm of larger urban and social challenges, demanding a multi-pronged, empathetic approach. No single technology, policy, or social program will unilaterally solve the problem. Instead, an integrated strategy that combines advanced cart security, clear and enforced municipal regulations, innovative customer incentives, and, most critically, dedicated investment in addressing the fundamental causes of homelessness and its associated issues, will be necessary. This collective effort promises not only to save retailers and taxpayers millions by minimizing financial losses and reducing blight but also to contribute to the creation of cleaner, safer, and more equitable communities for everyone. The journey to bring all those carts back home is ongoing, propelled by ingenuity, collaboration, and a growing understanding of the complex human stories they represent.
