Along with showers, flowers and warmer weather, spring heralds the return of active black bear season in Boulder. Now is the time to make sure your trash and compost are secured!
Bears that find food sources in town are likely to stay in town, increasing the likelihood of human encounters and losing their natural fear of people, which rarely has a happy ending. The City of Boulder mandates bear-resistant containers west of Broadway and south of Sumac Avenue, but bear activity often extends well beyond the regulated “bear zone”. Following these simple tips will help protect you, your family and our community’s bear population:
- If trash and compost are put out the night before pickup, it MUST be secured in an approved bear-resistant container (this is per city ordinance and applies city-wide).
- Ideally, store your trash and compost in a house, garage, shed or other enclosed structure until the morning of collection.
- Livestock attracts bears. Keep goats, chickens and bees in bear-secure enclosures or *install electric fencing (*city permit required).
- Harvest ripe fruit. Collect and compost fruit that has fallen to the ground.
- Feed birds in winter months only.
Western Disposal is committed to keeping our customers compliant with the city ordinance AND to protecting people and bears. If your bear-resistant cart is in need of repair or replacement, please call customer service at 303-444-2037. We can generally accommodate your request within 24 hours.
