Waste Pro and state wildlife officials announced a new partnership to get bear-proof trash cans in more places, in an effort to reduce conflicts between homeowners and bears.
The two parties signed a memorandum of understanding that would make it more affordable for residents in northwest Florida to get bear-resistant trash cans.
Wildlife leaders hope it sets an example for other service providers in the state.
“The money we have available for local grants is intended to cost-share,” said Thomas Eason, director of Habitat and Species Conservation for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “Our aim is to provide these well-developed, bear-resistant trash cans at an affordable cost.”
The memo goes on to say FWC must educate residents on ways to secure attractants from bears.
In return, Waste Pro agrees to provide cans at affordable rates and must also provide those cans within two weeks of a homeowner’s request.
“It just made really good sense for us to partner with FWC in this venture,” said Lloyd Childrey, of Waste Pro. “Hopefully, moving forward, as he indicated, we’ll get some more of the waste providers on board and we’ll be able to keep our bear encounters to a minimum.”
Currently, the agreement only relates to residents in northwest Florida, like Leon and Bay counties, but FWC hopes it sets an example across the state.
Cox Media Group
