Bear-Resistant Bins Program

A bear- resistant bin is a specially designed residential garbage container with secure locking mechanisms to prevent bears and other wildlife from accessing its contents. This program aims to reduce human-wildlife interactions in the RMWB by minimizing attractants in residential areas.

How do the bear-resistant bins work?

These bear-resistant bins were selected for their ease of use, while ensuring garbage collection services continue as usual. You can download the step-by-step process or watch a how to video

From pilot to expansion

In August 2023, the Municipality launched a pilot project in Saprae Creek Estates with 300 bear-resistant bins. Feedback showed 82% of residents felt more comfortable leaving bins outside between collection days.

In 2024, the program expanded with 1,400 bear-resistant bins delivered to homes in Draper, Gregoire Lake Estates, and Anzac. Select homes in Fort McMurray with the highest number of bear sightings, based on Alberta Fish and Wildlife data, also received bins.

In 2025, the program continued to grow with additional streets in Fort McMurray receiving bear-resistant bins, focusing on areas with the highest levels of bear activity.

Bear-resistant bin program FAQ:

More streets are being proposed for bear-resistant bin delivery as part of the 2026 budget process. Pending Council approval, additional bins will be distributed in 2026.

Streets are selected based on bear activity data provided by Alberta Fish and Wildlife, with priority given to areas with higher sightings and wildlife concerns.

Bear-resistant bins are being distributed in phases based on bear activity data provided by Alberta Fish and Wildlife. Streets are prioritized where there have been high numbers of bear sightings, encounters, or previous wildlife concerns.

The Municipality reviews this data to determine which areas will receive bins next. Selected households are notified by letter approximately one week before delivery.

If your home is included in this phase of the program, you will receive a letter one week before delivery with details about when your bin will be exchanged.

If you have a problem with your bin, please do not try to resolve it yourself - call PULSE at 780-743-7000 for assistance. 

A specific kind of bear-proof bin was provided to all homes in Saprae Creek in August 2023 as a pilot project. Residents were asked to take a short survey to share feedback on the pilot project. Here are the results of the survey: 

  • The majority of participants feel the new bear bin is easy to maneuver, find the latch easy to use and are satisfied with the bin’s durability.
  • 82% of survey participants are more comfortable to leave their bin outside between collection days.
  • Would you prefer to the previous system of having two collection bins for the summer and winter seasons?
    • Yes - 12%
    • No - 53%
    • I don’t know - 33%

With the positive results of the pilot project, additional bear-proof bins were provided to additional communities beginning in the Fall 2024. 

Bearsmart

Please remember that garbage bin management is only part of having good BearSmart habits. It is equally important to remove or manage other food sources on your property that are tempting to bears, such as fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food. Find BearSmart tips and more information at rmwb.ca/bearsmart.

If you have any questions, please contact PULSE at 780-743-7000

Contact Us

PULSE
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Phone: 780-743-7000
Toll free: 1-800-973-9663

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