Be Bear Smart with trash and grease

With bear activity picking up, Bear Smart Durango reminds residents to keep bear-resistant trash containers latched and secured at all times, except for the morning of trash collection.

Local businesses should do the same and educate employees on proper use. In addition, restaurants and fast food establishments can contact City Code Enforcement at 375-4930 for suggestions on making grease disposal more wildlife-friendly.

If city-provided bear-resistant residential trash containers or commercial dumpsters are damaged, please call City of Durango Sustainable Services at 375-5004 to schedule repairs. Otherwise, contact your waste hauler.

City residents and businesses can order bear-resistant trash containers anytime by calling 375-5004. County residents should contact a local waste hauler. Note: Phoenix Recycling and Baker Sanitation offer certified residential bear-resistant trash containers. WCA Transit Waste and Waste Management offer commercial bear-resistant dumpsters.

City residents can report incidents of bears getting into trash by calling City Code Enforcement at 375-4930. County residents should call Central Dispatch at 385-2900.