North Vancouver District residents are reminded to take extra care with their waste disposal as bears wake up from hibernation. In 2020, the district introduced new measures to the Solid Waste Bylaw to help reduce attractants for local wildlife, particularly bears.
As a result, putting trash carts at the curb before 5:30 a.m., even the night before, will result in a fine of $100 for the first offence and $500 for repeat offences.
The District of North Vancouver has also urged residents to store carts in a secure location until the morning of collection day, freeze smelly food scraps before adding them to their organics cart, layer food scraps with yard trimmings, rinse carts to help prevent odor build-up, and manage all attractants on their property, like bird feeders, fruit trees and barbecues.
While cart locks are designed to prevent bears from accessing waste or food, they are not bear-proof. The district reminds that they must be properly managed and placed outside between 5:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on collection day.
Please report all bear activity to the North Shore Black Bear Society.
