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Living in a Bear Management Area

Orange County Utilities Solid Waste residential curbside customers within the Bear Management Area must keep garbage roll carts in a secured location and place at the curb between 4 and 6 a.m. on their assigned garbage service day, or they can purchase a county-approved bear-resistant garbage roll cart.

Orange County’s Bear Cart Program

Bears are drawn to neighborhoods when food sources, like garbage and animal feed, are easy to find. Using a bear-resistant cart helps discourage bears from making regular visits to neighborhoods.

Bear cart

To be eligible for the bear-resistant cart, the applicant must:

  • Be an Orange County Utilities Solid Waste residential curbside customer
  • Provide proof of residence within the designated Bear Management Area
    • The Bear Management Area is a geographical region, designated by the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC), with a significant number of bear/human interactions.

Check to see if you live in the Bear Management Area of unincorporated Orange County and, if eligible, apply online!

Bear Management Area Map

Cost & Delivery of Bear-Resistant Cart

Orange County's hauling contractors are allowed to charge customers a one-time fee for the bear-resistant garbage cart. The value of a standard roll cart will be credited toward the cost of the bear-resistant cart, and the customer will pay the difference. The hauler will invoice the customer for that amount and deliver the cart within 10 days of payment.

More Ways to Keep Bears Away

  • Never feed bears or other wildlife
  • Eliminate bird feeders or hang them at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from the nearest tree
  • Always clean barbecue grills and store in a secured structure after each use
  • Always feed pets indoors
  • Never leave garbage or food in vehicles
  • Pick fruit from trees as soon as it becomes ripe and promptly remove fallen fruit from the ground
  • Ensure recyclables are empty, clean, and dry

Questions?

For more information about the bear-resistant roll cart program, email Solid.Waste@ocfl.net or call 407-836-6601.

For more information about bears, including how to reduce conflicts, contact the FWC Northeast Office at 352-732-1225 or visit myFWC.com/Bear.