Lock It Up: Trash, Recycling, & Organics Are Bear Bait

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Hey Breckenridge —

One unlatched can is all it takes. Bears, foxes, and ravens don't care whether it's trash, recycling, or your compost bin — if it smells like food, it's an invitation. Here's how to keep wildlife wild and your neighborhood safe.

Three rules, no exceptions:

• 🗑️ Trash & organics — Store in a wildlife-resistant container, or keep it inside (home, garage, or shed) until pickup day.

• ♻️ Recycling — Rinse it. Food residue in your bin is just as tempting to a bear as garbage.

• ⏰ Curbside timing — Cans go out no earlier than 6 a.m. and must be pulled in by 10 p.m. on pickup day. Lids fully closed, always.

Why it matters — the rules behind the reminder:

• Town Code: Breckenridge requires garbage to be fully contained in a securely closed receptacle at all times, and stored indoors unless the container has a working wildlife-resistant latch. Curbside placement is allowed only on pickup day, 6 a.m.–10 p.m.

• Colorado Law (C.R.S. § 33-6-131): It's a state misdemeanor to knowingly leave out food or garbage where it's likely to lure a bear — no warning required before a citation, and repeat offenses can run up to $5,000 in fines.

One overflowing can can cost a bear its life. Wildlife that gets comfortable around human food often has to be relocated — or worse. Secure it right, and you're protecting your neighbors, your property, and the animals that make this place home.

To report bear sightings or aggressive behavior, contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife at 970-725-6200 or call 911 in an emergency.

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Need assistance?

SustainableBreck staff are available to help your home or business identify opportunities for waste reduction, recycling, and composting.

Contact: Email us at SustainableBreck@townofbreckenridge.com, or give us a call at (970) 453-3374.

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