Bear-resistant bin with carabiner-style clasps. (CFJC Today File Photo)

By Victor Kaisar

Bear-Resistant Carts

Optional bear-resistant garbage, organics carts now available in Kamloops

Apr 6, 2025 | 10:49 AM

KAMLOOPS — Optional bear-resistant garbage and organics carts are now available in Kamloops for residents who want to opt-in to the program.

The City says requests for these carts, which cost an extra $20 per year, can be made on a first-come, first-served basis. They note that these new carts may be “of particular interest” to residents who live in neighbourhoods where bear sightings are more frequent.

“The most common bear attractant is mismanaged solid waste. Unsecured solid waste carts are an easy food source for bears,” Danielle Sparks, the City’s Environmental Services Supervisor, said in a statement.

“By offering bear-resistant carts as an option, we’re providing one more tool for residents to help prevent human-bear interactions.”

There are three different sizes of carts that will be available – one for organics (120 litres) and two for garbage (120 litres and 245 litres). City Councillors voted last June to authorize staff to buy 400 of the organics carts and 600 of the 120 litre garbage carts.

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In August, Councillors also approved the purchase of 300 of the 245 litre carts.

Bear-resistant Bin Rates. (Image Credit: City of Kamloops)

According to the City of Kamloops, these new bear-resistant carts are better reinforced than standard carts and feature carabiner-style clasps to keep the lid closed. Residents are required to unclasp the lids for pickup.

“Bear-resistant carts are an effective deterrent when used properly,” Sparks said. “When not at the curb for collection, carts should be stored with the lid securely fastened, either in an enclosed structure or secured to a stationary object.”

The use of the bear-resistant carts was piloted in Juniper West in 2023 and later deemed a success. Staff, however, decided against a mandatory city-wide implementation because of costs.

Estimates from the City are that it would have cost approximately $5.1 million to replace all organic curbside carts. Instead, Council approved spending around $260,000 from the Solid Waste Reserve to buy the first batch of carts. Subsequent orders for bear-resistant carts will be based on demand.

Requests for bear-resistant solid waste carts can be made by registered homeowners only. They can call 250-828-3461 or email civicoperations@kamloops.ca to make those requests.

The City says carts will be swapped out on a future collection day, and that people will be notified when that swap will be taking place.

You can find more information about bear-resistant solid waste carts here, and more information on bear smart behaviour in the City of Kamloops, here.

For a current list of all solid waste cart sizes and costs in Kamloops, go here.