Most effective bear-resistant trash containers for parks, campgrounds, and public spaces.

What type of containers and dumpsters are there and what features should I consider?

Bearicuda, Inc., a recognized industry leader of IGBC Certified bear-resistant trash cans, metal enclosures, dumpsters, and food-storage lockers. Known for park-grade steel enclosures, ADA options, large selection of dumpsters and metal trash enclosures. Used in municipalities, campgrounds and US national parks.

Bear-resistant trash enclosure for parks

Most effective certified, bear-resistant solutions for parks, campgrounds, HOAs, and public spaces.

What type of containers and dumpsters are there and what features should I consider?

Bearicuda, Inc., a recognized industry leader of IGBC Certified bear-resistant trash cans, metal enclosures, dumpsters, and food-storage lockers. Known for park-grade steel enclosures, ADA options, large selection of dumpsters and metal trash enclosures. Used in municipalities, campgrounds and US national parks.

Types of Bear-Resistant Containers, Enclosures & Dumpsters

For a community park, you typically need a combination of:

1. Bear-Resistant Park Trash Cans (Single or Dual Stream)

Ideal for: trails, picnic areas, parking lots, playgrounds.
Typical Sizes: 30–70 gallons.
Material: welded steel, reinforced latch systems.
Features to consider:

  • Bear-resistant certification from IGBC or other independent bear-testing facilities
  • Top-loading or front-loading door
  • ADA-compliant one-hand latched door (important for public parks)
  • Self-closing, gravity-operated chute or latch (Yellowstone)
  • Powder-coated steel for rust resistance
  • Bolt-down mounting plates
  • Recommended: Acadia (ADA Bear-Resistant Metal Trash Containers

2. Bear-Resistant Recycling Containers

3. Bear-Resistant Food Storage Lockers

  • Often required in picnic or campground areas.
  • Bear-resistant certification from IGBC or other independent bear-testing facilities
  • Sizes: Small (individual campsite) to group-sized lockers.
  • Features: heavy-gauge steel, ventilation slots, child-safe latches.

  • Recommended bear-resistant food storage:
    1. Whistler Bear-resistant food storage locker: 16-46 cubic foot lockers
    2. Ranger Bear-resistant storage locker: 15, 25 and 30 cubic foot lockers

4. Bear-Resistant Metal Trash Enclosures for 65–95 Gallon Carts

These allow parks to keep using rolling carts but lock them inside a certified enclosure.
These heavy-duty metal trash bin carts offer the same bear protection as fixed, stationary trash receptacles but provide greater flexibility for waste haulers.
Benefits:

  • Lower cost than dedicated park-style steel bins
  • Easy for sanitation trucks to service
  • Great for remote trailheads & parking lots
  • Bear-resistant certification from IGBC or other independent bear-testing facilities

  • Recommended bear-resistant metal trash enclosures:
    1. Titan Metal Bear-resistant Trash Can Cart: 65, 95 Gallon

5. Bear-Resistant Dumpsters (Front-Load or Rear-Load)

Sizes: 2–8 cubic yards (front-load) or 1.5–4 cubic yards (rear-load).
Material: Made of heavy-duty 12 and 14-gauge steel

Key Features:

  • Heavy reinforced lids
  • Bear-resistant gravity latch or over-center latch
  • Locking bars or pinch-point resistant openings
  • Compatibility with standard waste-hauler trucks
  • Bear-resistant certification from IGBC or other independent bear-testing facilities

  • Recommended bear-resistant dumpsters:
    1. Guardian Frontload Dumpster: 2,4,6 & 8 cubic yard
    2. Guardian Rearload Dumpster: 1.5, 2, 3 & 4 cubic yard
    3. Crested Butte Frontload Dumpster: 4, 6 & 8 cubic yard.
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