Free Bear Straps - Roaring Fork Valley Bear Coalition

We offer free Bear straps to retrofit your existing trashcan into one that deters bears!

Retro-fitting trashcans with our straps are great first step towards convincing bears to move along. These straps are designed to slow down the bear, so he will leave your neighborhood in search of food elsewhere. Our straps work to keep critters, like raccoons out of your garbage too!

The Fl orida Fish & Wildlife Commission (FWC) has tested and approved the 4-Strap Design for Black Bears.

Playlist

6 Videos

Adding resistance to most trash cans bear resistance

9:14

Large FL Bear testing one of our retrofitted trash cans

Small FL black bear, very persistent but retrofit trash can wins

Protect Bears, Lock Your Trash

3:17

How to Bear Proof Your Trash Can

5:17

How To Make Most Trash Cans Bear Resistant

8:54

Disclaimer:
Before installation please contact your refuse hauler, as additional fees may apply.

ATTENTION MOUNTAIN WASTE CUSTOMERS:

We CANNOT give you our FREE STRAPS.

Mountain Waste has requested that we DO NOT give our free straps to their customers. This hauler wants their customers to rent their trash cans for $25.00 per month.

Order your free straps:

Simply fill out the form and below we will send you a bear kit.
All fields are mandatory.

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How many trash cans do you need straps for?

How to retrofit bear resistant straps to your existing can. For retrofitting instructions:

Remember: A Bear resistant trash can is only as good as people locking it.

Guide to Installation

Here is the top of a typical trash can.

Notice the placement of the bear straps. (4 total: 1 on each side and 2 on the front)

It is important to start by attaching the straps on the sides of the trash can.

Notice that the short side of the strap mounts to the top/lid of the trash can and that the longer side of the strap is secured to the bottom part of the trash can.

Once you determine the proper location for the side straps, use a pen or another tool (awl) to mark the placement of the short strap on the lid.

Attach washers and locking-nut (included) to secure the short strap on the lid.

Don’t rush this next step…

Clip the straps together, and then use a pen or another tool (awl) to determine the location to mount the long strap to the bottom of the trash can. You will need to stretch the strap downward to get a tight fit.

Remember, the strap needs to be tight enough not to allow a bear to insert its claws between the lid and base of the trash can, but not too tight to restrict proper locking in cold weather.

Repeat the above procedure until all 4 straps are mounted onto the trash can.

Remember, mount the 2 side straps first, and then mount the 2 straps to the front of the trash can. Use the washers and locking-nut included with the straps.

Download these instructions.