Asheville rolls out hundreds more bear-resistant trash cans after successful pilot program

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Following the successful rollout of Asheville Sanitation’s bear-resistant trash cart pilot program in January 2021, the City of Asheville is now rolling out another round to almost double the amount of residents using the carts.

The pilot program involved 340 trash cans initially, and another 300 of them are now being delivered to residents on the waiting list.

A resolution approved by Asheville City Council in November 2020 amended the City’s Fees & Charges schedule to allow the sanitation division to provide bear-resistant trash carts for a $10-per-month fee on a first-come, first-served basis.

Residents who sign up for the carts agree to a one-year rental commitment.

The initial order of bear-resistant trash carts was funded from the Sanitation Division’s Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Operating Budget. When the 2021-2022 Operating Budget was approved, Sanitation was able to purchase 300 more carts — all that was available from the manufacturer at this time.

BEAR-RESISTANT TRASH CANS HAVE MADE THEIR WAY TO ASHEVILLE IN NEW PILOT PROGRAM

“More than a third of the calls that the N.C. Wildlife Resources receives about bears statewide come from Buncombe County,” said City Sanitation Manager Jes Foster. “Asheville residents are experiencing an increase in human-bear interactions, and there are safety risks associated with these increasing issues.”

Securing garbage is identified as one of the top ways to reduce human-bear interactions and resulting problems. By eliminating the food source, the bear usually moves on.

The bear-resistant trash carts are 95 gallons -- the same size as regular large green trash carts -- and weigh 45 pounds, which is 10 pounds heavier than regular trash carts.

LOCKED UP: NEW PROGRAM AIMS TO KEEP BEARS OUT OF ASHEVILLE TRASH CANS

They are for trash only, not recyclables or yard waste.

Want a bear-resistant cart?

Asheville Sanitation continues to get requests for the bear-resistant trash carts. To sign up for future bear-resistant trash carts as they come available, visit ashevillenc.gov/bearcartor call the Sanitation office at 828-259-5857.