Bearproof Trash Cans Will Soon Be Required in West Colorado Springs

If you live on the west side of Colorado Springs and aren’t already using a bearproof trash can, take note: Starting March 1st, 2020, anyone living in most areas west of I-25 will be be required to have a bear-resistant trash can, or keep your trash can inside and wait until 5 AM to put it out on trash collection day, being sure to bring it inside by 7 PM.

Not Just Any Bearproof Trash Can

The ordinance as proposed mandates that “the container must be certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee and must contain a marking declaring such certification that is visible on the outside of the waste container“.  So, wrapping a bungee cord around your trash can (as proposed by one waste company I talked to) is not going to be acceptable.

Regarding Extra Bags of Trash, and Compost Piles

Take note that “all waste shall be placed in a waste container“, which seems to prohibit extra bags of trash being set out with your trash can.

The ordinance also clarifies that compost piles are not prohibited, provided that they are not a nuisance.

You can see a PDF of the proposed (now passed) ordinance here, and visit the city’s Bears page here.

Upgrading to a Bearproof Trash Container

We contacted local waste collection companies to find out what their options for westside residents are as of October 2019:

Hopefully more waste companies will start offering a bearproof trash can option as the city ordinance goes into effect.

If you want to purchase your own, bearproof trash cans are available starting around $220 and are carried in-store at select Lowes and Ace Hardware stores, and can of course be ordered online a variety of places.

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