Supermarkets across the borough are being told to clean up their act because of the increasing number of abandoned shopping trolleys being dumped around the town.
Telford & Wrekin Council bosses say the ditched trolleys are an eyesore, potentially dangerous and a financial burden on taxpayers.
And they are determined to use tough new powers to make supermarkets foot the clear-up bill and even take them to court if they do not police their trolleys more effectively.
It follows increasing concern about supermarket and luggage trolleys being dumped on traffic islands, verges, footpaths, alleyways and streams.
Councillor Steve Bentley, cabinet member for the environment, is hoping the council will adopt powers under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.
This will allow the authority to remove, store and dispose of abandoned trolleys, passing on the full cost to the owner.
The council will also adopt enforcement powers requiring owners to remove offending trolleys - with prosecution being the ultimate sanction.
Councillor Bentley, who hopes to get the go-ahead at cabinet on November 10, said: “There has been full consultation with local supermarket operators and they are aware these powers are due to come into place, probably early next year.
“The dumping of trolleys across the borough is a persistent and growing problem and we are getting at least 30 cases every week.
“We’ve had reports of trolleys being pushed into the path of oncoming vehicles, filled with garden waste and rubble, dumped in watercourses and woodlands and obstructing paths and alleyways.
“It’s an environmental crime and we’re determined to clamp down on it.
“Our aim is to bring about a change in behaviour and attitude. Abandoned trolleys harm the environment and quality of life.”
Councillor Bentley said supermarkets would be kept fully informed and given a timescale.
He said he hoped they would use CCTV and patrols by staff to ensure trolleys were collected and not taken off site.
He added: “If our maintenance team consider abandoned trolleys are a nuisance or danger they will be removed immediately and the owner given the bill.”