Bear-Resistant Cart Program

Bears are becoming frequent visitors to hillside neighborhoods looking for food sources. When bears become accustomed to human food sources, they can pose a risk to public safety and may face unnecessary harm. There are actions humans can take to foster peaceful coexistence with wildlife.

Bear-resistant carts can significantly reduce food waste access, mitigate conflicts and enhance the safety of both bears and humans. These carts feature secure locking mechanisms to effectively deter bears from accessing human-generated waste. Using bear-resistant carts will help keep the community and visitors safe and protect the environment from pollution from scattered waste.

Universal Waste Systems (UWS) customers in Altadena and Kinneloa Mesa can swap out their non-bear-resistant black, blue, and green waste carts for bear-resistant carts at no extra cost through a Los Angeles County and UWS program. These carts are certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.

Residents who enroll in the Bear-Resistant Cart Program may select to swap out their black, blue, and green carts with 96-gallon Kodiak branded bear-resistant carts. You are not required to change all three types but it is recommend for maximum protection.

Please note that Kodiak branded bear-resistant carts are currently the only gravity unlocking carts in the market that are certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, and they only manufacture these carts in 96-gallon size. Smaller-size bear-resistant carts may be available in the future. Seniors with 32-gallon cart may receive 96-gallon bear-resistant carts and retain their senior discount. People with disabilities and seniors may request roll out service at no additional charge.

To SIGN-UP to receive bear-resistant carts when they are available, click here or call UWS at (626) 677-3990 or (888) CleanLA.

Outreach/Community Events

No community meetings are scheduled at this time.

Best Practices for Peaceful Coexistence with Bears

See below for Best Management Practices recommended by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Service. Additional information and resources can be found on their website.

Proper Trash Protocol

Store trash carts inside your garage or secure metal structure.
Always keep trash, recycling, and compost in secure bins like bear-resistant carts.
Place garbage out on the morning of pick-up day only.
Clean garbage and recycling carts frequently with bleach or ammonia.

Bear Sightings

If encountered, give a bear as much room as possible.
Keep doors and windows closed and locked when unoccupied.
Report wildlife related incidents to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at bit.ly/CDFW-WIR or call (858) 467-4201.

Backyard Practices

Keep pets and their food inside.
Clean barbecue grills after use.
Pick ripe fruit promptly and remove fallen fruit.
Screen windows and/or doors are insufficient barriers from excluding bears.

Helpful links to peacefully coexist with bears

Frequently Asked Questions

How will the carts be distributed to those who sign-up for the program?

Bear-resistant carts will normally be delivered on your trash day.

What if a bear damages my cart?

You may contact UWS to request a replacement, at no charge.

Once I sign-up, how will I know when my carts will be delivered?

Email updates will be provided to everyone who signs-up if a valid email is provided. Updates will include information about when deliveries are starting in your area. Carts will be delivered on your regular service day and swapped with your existing carts. In the interim, residents are encouraged to implement best management practices around their home, including management of their waste and recycling carts to help avoid bear intrusions.

How many carts will be provided?

Each account requesting bear carts will initially receive one of each type (black, green, blue). Additional carts will be available to those with multiple carts after the initial rollout.

If I have an Athens black bear cart that is an older custom model or damaged, will I be able to get a new bear-resistant cart?

Yes, you will receive a new bear-resistant cart if your existing bear cart is damaged, or you have an older model Athens cart.

Do I need to be home when my carts are delivered?

No, however your carts do need to be out at the curb to be swapped out. Please place all three carts out on your service day, and they will be replaced with bear-resistant carts.

If I switch to a 96-gallon bear-resistant cart, will I still be able to receive my senior discount?

Yes, senior discounts are still available for customers who need bear-resistant carts. Roll out service will also be available if needed.

I like my small 32-gallon cart, are smaller bear-resistant carts available?

Currently only 96-gallon bear-resistant carts are available; however, smaller carts may become available in the future.

What do the Kodiak bear-resistant carts look like?

To see the carts in person be sure to check-out one of the outreach events.

Contact Information

For information about the Bear-Resistant Cart Program, contact UWS at (626) 677-3990 or Public Works at (888) CleanLA.