Living in bear country doesn't mean you need expensive specialized equipment to keep your garbage secure. Here are some practical ways to make your standard urban trash can more bear-resistant.
First, focus on securing the lid. Use heavy-duty bungee cords or straps to tightly fasten the lid to the can itself. Loop them through the handles if available, creating a tight seal that's difficult for a bear to pry open. For added security, consider drilling holes and using carabiners or small locks.
The location of your trash can matters significantly. Keep it in a secure spot like a locked garage or shed until collection day. If you must keep it outside, place it in a well-lit area and consider anchoring it to a sturdy post or wall to prevent bears from knocking it over and rolling it away.
Eliminating odors is crucial in bear-proofing. Bears have an incredible sense of smell, so regularly clean your bin with disinfectant or a vinegar solution to remove food residues. Freeze particularly smelly food waste like fish or meat scraps until trash day to minimize odors that attract wildlife.
While these methods can enhance your standard can's resistance, for areas with frequent bear activity, investing in certified bear-resistant containers remains the most reliable solution. These containers feature specialized locking mechanisms that withstand determined bear attempts while remaining convenient for sanitation workers to empty.