Bear-Resistant Cart Program

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, mitigating conflicts and enhancing 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.

Rollout Plan

  • Bear-resistant carts will be delivered in phases, with areas with frequent bear intrusions receiving the initial carts. Distribution will continue as they become available.
  • Residents who enroll will have their black, blue, and green carts swapped out with 96-gallon Kodiak branded bear-resistant carts on their regular service day.
  • Initially, one cart of each type (black, blue, green) will be provided.
  • People with disabilities and seniors may request roll out service at no additional charge. Seniors with 32-gallon carts may receive 96-gallon carts and retain their senior discount. Smaller-size bear-resistant carts may be available in the future.
  • Residents that currently have a bear-resistant cart do not need to sign-up for the program. Carts will be delivered to you as the program is rolled out.
  • If you have a newer Athens black bear cart in good condition, it will not be replaced; however, you will receive a blue and green bear cart.

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

Postcards with information about the Bear-Resistant Cart Program will be mailed to residents in phases as the program is rolled out. Flyers will also be placed in community locations frequented by residents, and information will also be posted on NextDoor.

There will be opportunities to see the bear-resistant carts in-person at the following events:

  • July 13, 2023 - Parks After Dark at Lomita Alta Park, 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
  • July 18, 2023 - Altadena Town Council, 7:00 p.m.
  • July 21, 2023 - Parks After Dark at Loma Alta Park, 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
  • July 24, 2023 - Altadena Library, 10:30 a.m.
  • July 28, 2023 - Altadena Neighborhood Farmers Market, 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  • July 29, 2023 - Altadena Concerts in the Park at Farnsworth Park Amphitheater, 7:00 p.m.
  • August 5, 2023 - Eaton Canyon Natural Area and Nature Center, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
  • August 5, 2023 - Altadena Concerts in the Park at Farnsworth Park Amphitheater, 7:00 p.m.
  • August 12, 2023 - Altadena Concerts in the Park at Farnsworth Park Amphitheater, 7:00 p.m.
  • August 15, 2023 - Altadena Town Council, 7:00 p.m.

* Dates and times are subject to change.

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?

Initial supplies are limited. For that reason, bear-resistant carts will be delivered in phases with areas with frequent bear intrusions receiving the initial carts. Distribution will continue as the carts become available.

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?

Kodiak bear-resistant cart 1
Kodiak bear-resistant cart 2
Kodiak bear-resistant cart 3

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 (888) CleanLA.