Free Bear-Proof Trash Cans In Mendham: How To Get Yours

MENDHAM TOWNSHIP, NJ — Mendham Township residents can now reserve a free bear-resistant trash can as part of a new program aimed at keeping garbage secure from local wildlife.

The township announced that it received 500 bear-resistant trash cans through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

The 32-gallon cans, manufactured by Toter, feature a bear-resistant locking mechanism, double-wall construction and a steel-reinforced rim. According to the manufacturer, the containers are designed to withstand attempts by bears and other animals to get inside.

The cans are available to Mendham Township residents on a first-come, first-served basis and are free to keep.

Initially, distribution will be limited to one can per address. If any of the 500 cans remain after the first round, residents will have an opportunity to reserve an additional container through a lottery.

Residents must register online to reserve a can. The township said all information requested on the registration form is required under DEP regulations.

Registration will remain open through Sept. 25.

Trash can pickup begins Oct. 2 at the Mendham Township Department of Public Works facility, located at 40 Mount Pleasant Road.

Cans will be available for pickup only on Fridays between 6 a.m. and noon. The township will not make deliveries.

Residents seeking additional information can contact Mendham Township Town Hall or visit the township's website.

Bear-resistant trash containers are designed to help reduce encounters between residents and black bears by limiting access to household garbage, a common attractant for wildlife.

As bear season is upon us once again, it’s important to remain vigilant, even in residential settings. Last year, a woman was bitten by a bear in Sussex County after it had wandered inside a dollar store.

Read More: Bear Killed After Biting Woman In NJ Dollar Store

According to NJ Fish and Wildlife, one of the best ways to prevent attracting bears is to properly dispose of garbage. See tips on safe garbage disposal to limit bear attraction, provided by NJ Fish and Wildlife:

• 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 the 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 solutions 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 pickup. Empty recyclables, like beverage cans, bottles, and food containers, can attract bears.