Three Rivers’ Garbage Crisis Demands Immediate Action
Three Rivers is facing a growing garbage crisis that is endangering both our community and our iconic black bears.
This summer alone, almost 270 bear-related incidents have been recorded — garbage strewn across neighborhoods, property damage, home entries, and even injured and killed bears.
Other Bear Smart communities across the U.S., Canada, and Europe have solved this problem with proven, affordable solutions:
Certified bear-resistant trash containers or enclosures for ALL waste types (garbage, recycling, and organics)
A common-sense local ordinance to support full bear resistance
Public education & outreach
A reliable bear incident tracking system
Unfortunately, Tulare County has been moving forward with a draft ordinance and contract amendment — without community collaboration — that is flawed, incomplete, and unaffordable:
High cost: A minimum of $12 per cart per month forever— far higher than in other communities.
Partial protection: Only garbage carts would be bear-resistant, leaving recycling carts, organic waste carts, and metal bins unprotected.
Limited impact: The carts chosen don’t fully meet our needs and require frequent repairs.
We need your voice now. Tell Tulare County Solid Waste and the Board of Supervisors to:
✅ Work with the Three Rivers community on a solution that ensures full bear resistance for all waste types and containers.
✅ Ensure bear-resistant containers are affordable for everyone.
✅ Use proven, long-term solutions from other Bear Smart communities.
📧 Email Now:
Bryce Howard, Solid Waste Director — TCSolidWaste@tularecounty.ca.gov
Tulare County Board of Supervisors — AskBOS@tularecounty.ca.gov
Subject suggestion: “Three Rivers Needs Bear Smart Waste Solutions — Now”
Your message can be simple:
I strongly support Bear Smart garbage solutions in Three Rivers. However, I strongly oppose any ordinance or garbage contract amendment that doesn’t ensure full bear resistance for all waste streams and containers and affordable access for all residents. Please work with our community to create effective, proven solutions that protect both people and bears.
Every email matters. Together, we can protect our community and our bears.
From the Bear Smart Three Rivers Team.