Bear-resistant roll carts in high demand
Published on June 30, 2026
More carts ordered to support resident needs
The Los Alamos County Environmental Services Division (ESD) is experiencing an increase in interest and requests for bear-resistant roll carts. Due to the recent high demand, the County expects the current inventory to be exhausted within the week. A new order of bear-resistant roll carts has been placed with an estimated delivery time of 1 to 2 months.
For residents who have already submitted a request, cart exchanges will continue until the remaining inventory has been exhausted with exchanges occurring on regularly scheduled collection days. As bear cart requests are addressed on a first come, first serve basis, remaining and new requests will be placed on a wait list until the new shipment of bear carts arrive.
Help Reduce Bear Activity
While waiting for additional bear-resistant carts, residents are encouraged to take the following steps to reduce the likelihood of a bear encounter. The most effective ways to deter bears from trash cans are eliminating odors and preventing physical access:
- Store trash roll carts in a locked garage or shed whenever possible. If indoor storage is not available, keep the trash cart as far away from doors, windows, and outdoor living spaces as practical, in the least accessible location for bears. Place your cart at the curb on the morning of your scheduled collection day, no later than 8 a.m. Do not place roll carts out at the curb the night before.
- Regularly clean your trash cans and recycling bins with ammonia, bleach, or pine-based cleaners to neutralize lingering food smells.
- Mix one part ammonia with one part water in a spray bottle. On your scheduled collection day, spray it generously on garbage bags, inside trash carts, and around the rim to help reduce the likelihood of bears tipping over carts and scattering trash. Bears have a highly sensitive sense of smell and find ammonia repulsive.
- If practical, freeze particularly odorous food waste, such as meat or seafood scraps, until your scheduled collection day before placing it in your cart.
- Place highly aromatic, bear-unfriendly items like rags soaked in ammonia, Lysol, or cider vinegar in or around the cans. Note: Never pour straight bleach or ammonia into a trash bag, as it can harm wildlife and sanitation workers.
The Environmental Services Division sincerely appreciates the community's enthusiasm for participating in the Bear-Resistant Roll Cart Program. The overwhelming response demonstrates our residents' commitment to reducing human-bear conflicts and keeping our neighborhoods safe for both people and wildlife.
Residents wishing to be added to the bear-resistant roll cart waiting list must complete the online registration form. Email or phone call requests will not be accepted as registration. To register, please visit: https://ayrs.io/Icopzz
For additional information, please contact the Environmental Services Division at (505) 662-8163 or email solidwaste@lacnm.us.