Solid Waste/Recycling Services

Bears And Trash

Bear season is typically from April 15th through November 15th.

• Frequently asked questions
• Securing Trash Containers
• Resident's Responsibilities
• Commercial Business's Responsibilities

Other Resources

• Bear Smart Durango
• Living with Wildlife
• City of Durango Code for wildlife and solid waste:
• Container placement
• Residents' responsibilities
• Feeding wildlife
• Appealing violations

Securing Trash Containers

• Keep trash containers in garages, sheds or trash enclosures
• Place trash container out the morning of collection to reduce wildlife encounters
• Do not overfill trash containers (consider recycling or obtaining a larger trash container)
• Do not leave trash containers in alleys
• Bag and secure all trash prior to placing in trash containers
• Request a wildlife resistant trash container by calling 970-375-5004 ($4 monthly rental fee in addition to regular trash collection fee)

Residents' Responsibilities

• Unlock lid of wildlife-resistent container the morning of collection
• Residents are responsible to ensure their trash and container(s) are secure from bears and wildlife. Owners will receive a code violation notice and may be required to obtain a wildlife-resistant trash container if refuse container(s) is found to be turned over or trash from container(s) is scattered around their yard or in the public right-of-way.

Please contact Code Enforcement at 375-4930 to report trash violations.

• Occasionally clean your trash container with water and ammonia, or bleach (DO NOT mix ammonia and bleach)

Commercial Business' Responsibilities

Businesses in Durango, whether using trash service through the City of Durango or a private company, are responsible to ensure their trash container is secured from bears and wildlife.

Additional trash collection services may be necessary during bear season to reduce the amount of trash scattered from bears and wildlife.

Business owners will receive a trash violation notice if their trash is found to be scattered around the grounds. Business owners will be required to acquire additional trash services and pay all applicable fees.

To request a wildlife-resistant trash container for your business, call the City of Durango at 970-375-5004, or call your trash service provider.