Human garbage is attractive to black bears. When bears get into people’s garbage, they may be encouraged to return to the location because of the food reward. Bears that associate people with food may have to be trapped or destroyed. Be a good neighbor by following these tips.

	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 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 solution 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 pick up. Empty recyclables, like beverage cans, bottles and food containers can attract bears.

Bear Attractant Removal Checklist

Bear-Resistant Trash Container Manufacturers

The companies listed in the table below produce bear-resistant trash containers. The list is intended to be informational and does not have the endorsement of the NJDEP Fish and Wildlife.

Fish and Wildlife encourages the use of certified bear-resistant trash containers. Certified bear-resistant trash containers have passed a formal testing procedure that has been developed by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.

To learn more about the Bear Resistant Products Testing Program and the current list of products that have passed testing, please click on the banner below.

List of Manufacturers

For further information, please contact Stephanie Getto at Stephanie.Getto@njdepwptest.net.

Bear Resources

Bear Safety Tips

• Bear Encounters
• Homeowners
• Hikers and Campers
• Townships / Law Enforcement
• Businesses
• Farmers

Prevent Bear Damage

• Avoid Attracting Bears
• Garbage Management
• Pet Owners
• Feeding Birds
• Beehives / Crops / Livestock
• Compost / Gardens / Fruit Trees

Bear Basics

• Natural History
• Biology
• Behavior
• Bear Research
• Bear Management

Other Resources

• Publications & Materials
• Black Bear Education
• YouTube Bear Safety Video
• Bear Facts for Kids
• Activity Reports