An increase in trolley-related vandalism, theft, and abandonment has seen the coin-operated trolleys roll out in Queensland, with around a third of Kmart stores in the state now having them.

The new trolleys can be unlocked with a $1 or $2 coin, which is returned to the customer once the trolley is returned to the in-store trolley bay.

The system has been designed to give shoppers an incentive to return their trolleys and stop them from ending up abandoned on roads and in waterways.

It’s reported that Kmart has no intention of implementing coin-operated trolleys nationally, and that this a case-by-case initiative to the stores most affected by trolley abandonment and theft.

“We are not rolling them out everywhere, only where there are local regulations around cart containment systems. Some areas are still under review,” the retailer said.

While most see no problem with the change, likening it to shopping at Aldi, others have taken aim at Kmart, citing inconvenience and a shift towards a cashless society.

“Another reason I won’t go to Kmart again,” one commenter wrote on Facebook.

“Who has a coin anymore?” asked another.

“'Not much fun when you've got a disability, or children,” a third added.