Modify your trashcan to protect bears
ODFW staff in The Dalles contacted the local trash service provider for approval to modify trashcans. Please do not lock your trashcan or service providers may charge a “locked fee.” Use a carabiner instead.
Your trashcan must be strong enough for a bear to stand on. Test yours before modification. If it collapses or the lid bends easily, it will not keep a bear out.
Materials and Tools
• (1) Heavy-duty Trashcan
• (16) #10-24 x 3/8" Nuts
• (16) 3/8" Washers
• (16) #10-24 x 3/8" Machine Screws
• (2) Steel Fixed-Eye Hasps (hinged or flat)*
• (1) Wrench
• (1) Drill
• (1) 3/8" Drill Bit
• (2) Small Carabiners
*If wood screws come in the hasp package, replace them with machine screws.
Click on photos below for instructions on how to modify.
How to install
Step 1
Drill 3/8 inch holes for the hasp hinge on top, front corners (A) of trashcan. NOTE: some models of cans may be better adapted to apply hasps to the top, side corners (B).
Step 2
Screw hinge onto base of can with machine screws. Place a washer then a nut on the screws. Tighten all nuts so the hinge does not move.
Step 3
Lay the hinge over the lid to mark the position for the eye of the hasp. Make sure the hinge can be locked and unlocked easily. Drill 3/8" holes in the marked spots.
Step 4
Attach the eye of the hasp onto the lid with machine screws, washer and nut. Tighten.
Step 5
Hold the hinges over the can lip and secure. If you use a lock instead of a carabiner, it needs to be unlocked before pickup.
Step 6
Repeat on the other front corner of the can or add more as needed.
Related
wildlife viewing
Tips for avoiding human/bear encounters
Black bears are part of the natural ecosystem but conflict can occur when they enter our space, or we enter...
HOW TO MAKE YOUR TRASHCAN BEAR-RESISTANT
Florida Fish and Wildlife provides step-by-step instructions on a relatively simple and inexpensive method to modify a regular but sturdy trashcan to be bear-resistant by adding metal hardware to the lid and body of the can.