***NOTE: Requests received at this time will go onto a waiting list. We typically are able to order approximately 300 bear carts each August. We will reach out to you when we have a cart available and confirm if you still need one or not. Thank you!
Bear-Resistant Cart Program Information & Requirements
- Carts are available on a first-come, first-served basis with a maximum of 2 per household.
- Carts are 95-gallons (same size as regular large green trash carts) and weigh up to 45 lbs (~10 lbs heavier than regular trash carts).
- There is a $10/month/cart upcharge for the use of a bear cart. This fee will be added to your regular solid waste fee, which is part of your water bill.
- Residents must commit to a minimum of a one-year rental for the bear carts.
- Once a bear cart is received, if a resident moves, they are not permitted to take the cart with them. Carts should remain at the property, not move with the resident. *Arrangements can be made for a bear cart to be delivered to the new address if within our service area - call 828-259-5857 to arrange.
- Bear carts are to be used for bagged trash only (not recycling or yard waste).
- Bear carts are "fully automated," which means that they will stay locked when the lid is closed. The carts will open when the truck empties them. Residents will access a special latch to unlock the lid. The latch does require some manual dexterity to operate.
- Residents who do not follow bear cart guidelines, or who do not comply with guidelines upon receiving a notification from the City, will lose their opportunity to utilize a City-owned bear cart.
- Bear cart guidelines include, but are not limited to the following:
- All trash must be bagged, and bags must be tied closed.
- All trash must fit inside cart, with lid able to easily close and lock.
- Do not overfill. This causes the latch to get stuck, and/or causes trash bags to get stuck in the latch.