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

By Victor Kaisar

Bear-Resistant Carts

‘Steady’ number of requests made for optional bear-resistant waste carts in Kamloops as City prepares deliveries

Jun 26, 2025 | 6:30 AM

KAMLOOPS — The City of Kamloops says it will be delivering bear-resistant garbage and organics carts to residents that have requested them in the near future.

Environmental Services Supervisor Danielle Sparks says there have been approximately 200 requests made for these carts since the city-wide program was launched in April.

Sparks says these new bear-resistant carts are better reinforced and feature carabiner-style clasps to keep the lid closed, making it harder – but not impossible – for bears to get into

“There are many neighbourhoods in Kamloops that see human-bear conflict concerns but obviously, we see a higher number in certain neighbourhoods,” Sparks said. “We recognize that if someone does not have a garage or a shed, these bear-resistant carts are a super valuable tool.”

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There are three different sizes of carts that available – one for organics (120 litres) and two for garbage (120 litres and 245 litres) – and they each cost an extra $20 per year.

City Councillors voted last June to authorize staff to buy 400 of the organics carts and 600 of the 120 litre garbage carts. In August, Councillors also approved the purchase of 300 of the 245 litre carts.

“We really didn’t know what to expect but its been steady that those requests have been coming in, and so we will be soon going out for delivery in the community of those bear resistant carts,” Sparks added.

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.

“We continue to look at ordering more if demand keeps increasing, now that this program is available community-wide,” Sparks said, noting 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.

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.