Garbage Disposal

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Improper garbage disposal is another major cause of bear problems. Bears are strongly attracted to garbage and may be drawn to your camp if you do not take care to eliminate all garbage and associated smells:

1. Do not let garbage accumulate. Dispose of it on a daily basis.

2. Eliminate odours by burning garbage completely to ash. Burn garbage at least 200 metres from camp in an area visible from camp. Bury the ashes at least one metre deep and 200 metres from camp.

3. Pack all unburned garbage out with you when you leave, otherwise you may create problems for other campers. Burying unburned garbage does not eliminate smells.

4. Avoid burning garbage right before bedtime - it may attract bears to the camp area while people are sleeping.

5. In established campgrounds, use bearproof garbage containers if they are available.

6. Latrine facilities should be covered with lime and earth on a regular basis. Tampons and sanitary napkins should be burned in a hot fire.

7. In temporary camps, garbage which cannot be completely burned can be stored in airtight containers and cached away from camp. Cans, bottles and other containers should be washed first.

8. A forced-air, solid waste incinerator is the most effective and preferred method of burning garbage in long-term camps, and is essential for large camps.

9. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources can provide information on the construction of an incinerator using a 45-gallon drum, which may be appropriate in small camps.