Southwest Sierra #62 — Update on the Quest for a Bear-Proof Compost Bin

In SS#5 (April 2023) I shared the story of my experiment with a “bear tough” trash can, repurposed as a compost bin. That bin, secured to a large fir tree, lasted about eight years. It survived multiple bear attacks before a very small and hungry bear managed to chew a hole through one of the corners in late 2022.

In April of 2023 I purchased another slightly smaller “bear tough” trash can with the hope that it also might last 8 years. The new bin survived several bear attacks before winter set in. All was quiet for the winter. It survived a few springtime break-in attempts, but about a week ago, a bear ripped off the entire lid. The bear chewed through the hinge side of the lid and managed to detach it. Upon examination of the damage, it appears to be made of thinner plastic than the first bin. A fiberglass patch has been applied to the first bin and it is now strapped to the tree, awaiting the bears. I am doubtful if it will hold up, but we’ll see.

This brings me back to my original idea of repurposing a metal bear-proof trash receptacle as a compost bin. Ideally a plastic bin would be placed inside the metal bin with a drain out the bottom to protect the metal from corrosion. Unfortunately, those receptacles (as seen in parks) are out of my price range. Possibly the Forest Service or Department of Parks de-commissions bear proof trash cans periodically? If anybody has a lead on that, please let me know.

In the past, I sprinkled Cayenne pepper on my pile to deter the bears, and it helped for a while but eventually the bears got used to it! (Cheyenne pepper works as a deterrent for mice and rodents in buildings too). Other options for composting include only adding food scraps that are less desirable to bears, for example, things like broccoli stems and lettuce. Yard waste can be composted without attracting bears and I keep a separate pile for that. With bear-activity at an all-time high in our area, it is important for us all to be bear-aware and do our part to reduce attractants. Composting reduces the amount of solid waste that must be hauled to the transfer site and fertilizes the garden, so finding ways to do it without feeding the bears seems like a worthwhile endeavor.

I did an online search and found this compost bin made of rock. What a great idea! If I can ever find the time, I will try to build one.

Rae Bell can be reached at raebell44@gmail.com or PO Box 919, Alleghany, CA 95910.