Your actions can save a bear's life. It's the (by)law!

Under Solid Waste, Recyclables, and Organics Bylaw No. 40-67:

• Residents must ensure that solid waste carts are stored securely and made inaccessible to wildlife.
• Between April 1 and November 30, carts must not be placed at the curb earlier than 4:00 am on collection day, and carts must be removed from the curb no later than 7:00 pm year-round. 
• No property owner or occupier shall accumulate, store, or collect any wildlife attractants unless stored in an enclosed structure or securely fastened bear-resistant cart (Note: bear-resistant organics and garbage carts will be available on an as-requested basis in early 2025).
• Residents must ensure lids of bear-resistant carts are securely fastened when carts are not set at the curb for collection.
• Residents must ensure clips on bear-resistant carts are unfastened by 7:00 am on collection day and refastened by 7:00 pm on collection day.
• Infractions may result in a $100 fine.

Feeding bears, even unintentionally, is also against the law in BC, under the British Columbia Wildlife Act.

If you face barriers to storing your solid waste carts in an enclosed structure, consider the following:

• Get a bear-resistant cart and keep it securely fastened when not set at the curb for collection. (Note: bear-resistant organics and garbage carts will be available on an as-requested basis in early 2025). 
• Store meat and strong-smelling food scraps in the freezer or in an airtight container and transfer them to your cart on collection day.
• Use a flat hook tie-down strap rated at 1,000 lb. to secure the cart lid down, and secure the cart to a stationary object.