Bear-Proof Garbage Cans Coming To Chester: How To Get Yours

CHESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Chester Township recently acquired more than 150 bear-proof garbage cans from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

These cans are made with strong materials and are equipped with a latching mechanism that makes it difficult for curious bears to eat last night’s dinner scraps.

The township was able to acquire 166 of these trash cans from the NJ DEP, and residents can apply now to get theirs.

Residents can apply for their trash can through this online application. Residents have the option between 64-gallon and 96-gallon cans.

The cans are expected to arrive in mid-October. You can apply for a can until Oct. 17.

While bear season is coming to an end, it’s still important to remain vigilant, even in residential settings. This month, a woman was bitten by a bear in Sussex County after it had wandered inside a dollar store.

Read More: Bear Killed After Biting Woman In NJ Dollar Store

According to NJ Fish and Wildlife, one of the best ways to prevent attracting bears is to properly dispose of garbage. See tips on safe garbage disposal to limit bear attraction, provided by NJ Fish and Wildlife:

• Use certified bear-resistant garbage containers

Use certified bear-resistant garbage containers and keep the container outdoors if you live in an area frequented by black bears. Certified bear-resistant trash containers have passed a formal testing procedure and are proven to keep bears out. Certified containers offer the best protection.

Use certified bear-resistant community dumpsters in housing developments and gated communities.

• Secure garbage cans

If not using certified containers, store all garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids and place them within a secure location where bears are unlikely to see or smell them. For example, leave garbage containers in your basement until the morning of garbage collection. Note: Occasionally, bears have tried to enter buildings in search of food, so use caution.

• Use a Bear-Resistant Dumpster Enclosure

Garbage containers or dumpsters may be stored within Bear Resistant Dumpster Enclosures (BRDEs). These are fully enclosed structures consisting of four sides (i.e., solid panels or cyclone fencing,) eight feet high, and with a top of sufficient design (i.e., barbed wire or roof) constructed to prevent access by black bears. BRDEs should meet the standards specified by the Living with Wildlife Foundation. Various BRDE Designs can be found at the following link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oc3yIDcEbwcuq_Bccpv_-PaUUu_8LhXB/view

• Put out garbage the morning of collection day

Put out garbage as close to pick-up time as possible, not the night before.

• Wash trash containers

Wash trash containers with a disinfectant solution at least once a week to eliminate odors. Examples of disinfectant solutions include hot water and chlorine bleach or ammonia.

• Secure & clean recycling containers

Store recycling containers in a secure building and only put them outdoors on the day of pickup. Empty recyclables, like beverage cans, bottles, and food containers, can attract bears.