Hardyston offers residents $55 bear-proof trash cans for just $20

HARDYSTON-In an effort to reduce the growing number of bear complaints in the township, Hardyston is offering bear-proof trash cans to residents at less than 40 percent of the retail price. The containers, which have lids that bears can't open, normally cost $55, said Marianne Smith, the Hardyston Township manager. The township is selling them for $20 each. To get such a low price, the township ordered the containers unassembled. Smith said the organization known as B.E.A.R., which has demonstrated and lobbied to stop the bear hunt and to educate homeowners about how to coexist with black bears, volunteered to help assemble the cans. The cans will not only protect homeowners from bears going through their garbage, they will also relieve a burden on the township police department, Smith said. State wildlife officials are increasingly reluctant to respond to the many bear complaints in Hardyston and other rural communities in Sussex County, she said. "The state has more or less punted to local agencies for enforcement," she said. "It's been significant. In 2004, we had 112 bear complaints our police had to respond to. Each call can take anywhere from a half hour to an hour." She said she was not aware of any bears that had to be shot by township police, who have had to learn how to "condition" problem bears to stay away from houses. It all takes time away from normal public safety duties for a work force that's already stretched thin, she said. "We're hopeful that by being proactive, we can help," she said. Feeling that some people may not be able to afford bear-proof trash containers, "We decided we would make it easier for people to afford." Homeowners wishing to purchase the cans at the $20 price must place their orders by March 31, Smith said. Orders along with a check to cover the cost must be taken or mailed to the Hardyston Township Municipal Building, 29 Stockholm-Vernon Road, Stockholm, NJ 07460. For more information, call 973-827-3912 or 973-827-3912.