Tulsa Partners with Cart Repo

Tulsa Partners with Cart Repo to Address Abandoned Shopping Cart Issue

The City of Tulsa has initiated a partnership with Cart Repo, a company specializing in the retrieval of abandoned shopping carts, to mitigate street clutter and reduce financial losses for retailers. ​Tulsa, Oklahoma News

The Challenge of Abandoned Carts

Abandoned shopping carts have become a common sight in Tulsa, often found near gas stations and under bridges. These carts not only contribute to urban blight but also represent significant losses for retailers, as replacing them can be costly.​Tulsa, Oklahoma News

Cart Repo's Approach

Cart Repo, co-founded by Shantelle Muhammad, employs a proactive strategy involving daily neighborhood canvassing and community engagement to identify and collect abandoned carts. Residents can report stray carts, facilitating efficient retrieval. Previously, the city would collect and store these carts before disposing of them. Under the new program, collected carts are offered back to retailers at a reduced cost, providing a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new ones.​Tulsa, Oklahoma News

Proven Success and Community Considerations

Cart Repo's model has demonstrated success in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the company collected 2,000 carts within two months. Inspired by this achievement, Tulsa-based retailer Reasor's has expressed support for the initiative, recognizing its practicality and effectiveness.​Tulsa, Oklahoma News

Importantly, the program is designed with compassion; carts actively used by individuals experiencing homelessness are not targeted. If personal belongings are found in collected carts, they are delivered to social service providers to ensure respectful handling.​Tulsa, Oklahoma News

Looking Ahead

This collaboration between Tulsa and Cart Repo represents a strategic effort to enhance urban cleanliness and support local businesses. By addressing the issue of abandoned shopping carts through community involvement and innovative solutions, the city aims to create a more orderly and supportive environment for all residents.​Tulsa, Oklahoma News

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