Garbage & Recycling

Black bears are sometimes seen near Hume Park and the Brunette River, including in nearby residential neighbourhoods.

Bears have a strong sense of smell and may enter residential areas in search of food. When bears find food in garbage carts, compost bins or yards, they may return to those locations.

Keeping food and other attractants out of reach helps protect residents, pets and bears.

Secure Your Waste Collection Carts

• Store carts securely. Keep garbage, recycling and organics carts in a bear-resistant enclosure or use bear-resistant containers.
• Put carts out on collection morning. Do not leave carts at the curb overnight. Bring them back onto your property as soon as possible after collection.
• Keep carts clean. Rinse food containers before recycling and regularly clean waste collection carts to reduce odours.
• Reduce food scraps odours. Store particularly smelly food scraps in your freezer until collection day, if possible.

What is a bear-resistant enclosure?

A bear-resistant enclosure is a fully enclosed, sturdy structure that prevents bears from accessing garbage, recycling and organics carts. This may include a garage, shed or specially designed storage enclosure, provided it has secure doors or gates that bears cannot easily open or break into.

A regular fence or an unlocked shed may not be enough to keep bears out.

Reduce Other Attractants Around Your Home

• Fruit trees: Pick ripe fruit and regularly remove fallen fruit from the ground.
• Barbecues: Clean grills and grease trays after each use.
• Pet food: Feed pets indoors and store pet food securely.
• Bird feeders: Remove bird feeders when bears are active in your area.
• Backyard compost: Follow proper composting practices and avoid adding materials that attract wildlife.
• Wildlife feeding: Never intentionally feed bears or other wildlife.

Learn more about backyard composting.

Report Bear Sightings and Wildlife Conflicts

If you see a bear or other potentially dangerous wildlife in a residential area, keep your distance. Do not approach, feed or attempt to move the animal.

To report wildlife that is displaying concerning behaviour, accessing human food or creating a public safety risk, contact the BC Conservation Officer Service:

• Phone: 1-877-952-7277 (24-hour RAPP hotline)
• Online: Report a wildlife concern

If there is an immediate threat to human safety, call 911.

By removing attractants and giving wildlife space, we can help reduce human–wildlife conflicts and keep our neighbourhoods safer for everyone.

The City regularly sweeps streets to remove leaves, dirt and debris, helping keep our roads clean and preventing materials from entering storm drains.

Street Sweeping Schedule

• Major roads: Every two weeks
• Residential streets: Every three months

Report a Street That Needs Sweeping

If you notice a street that needs attention, contact Public Works:

• Phone: 604-526-4691
• Email: [Insert Public Works email address]

Keep Leaves and Yard Waste Off the Road

Please do not rake, sweep or blow leaves, grass clippings or other yard waste onto the street.

Instead, place leaves and yard trimmings in your green cart for collection. Keeping yard waste off the road helps prevent blocked storm drains and keeps streets safe and clean.