Tulare County approves bear‑resistant trash cart ordinance for designated bear management zones after heated 3 Rivers debate

The Tulare County Board of Supervisors voted 3–2 on Oct. 28, 2025, to advance an ordinance requiring bear‑resistant trash carts and containers within areas the board designates as bear management zones, setting an adoption hearing for Nov. 18 and an intended effective date of April 1, 2026.

The proposal, brought by the county Solid Waste Department, would require franchise haulers to deliver certified bear‑resistant containers to customers within designated zones. Solid Waste staff told the board recycling and green‑waste carts would be exempt and that the ordinance would not force residents to subscribe to service or require short‑term rentals to subscribe. Residential customers will be charged an additional $12 per month and commercial customers would pay 10% above their current rate, staff said.

Why it matters: Residents and County staff said human‑bear conflicts are increasing in foothill communities and pose public‑safety, tourism and liability concerns. The board advanced the ordinance despite opposition from dozens of 3 Rivers residents and the volunteer Bear Smart team, who said the proposal is incomplete, risks burdening low‑income and elderly residents, and does not require certified resistance…