Campbell River residents are being reminded that putting garbage out the night before collection can create more than just a mess—it can also attract bears and other wildlife into neighbourhoods.

Under the City’s waste regulations, garbage, recycling and organics may only be placed at the curb on the scheduled collection day.

The City says containers left outside overnight can provide animals with easy access to food and other attractants.

Once bears become accustomed to finding food near homes, they are more likely to return, potentially creating safety concerns for residents and wildlife.

Residents can reduce the risk by keeping waste secured until collection morning, regularly washing their containers to control odours and freezing compost between collection days.

Fallen fruit should also be collected frequently and removed from yards.

If a collection is delayed, residents are required to bring their containers back from the curb by 8 p.m. and place them outside again on the rescheduled collection day.

The City says these precautions can help keep neighbourhoods safe while preventing bears from becoming dependent on human food sources.

Visit City of Campbell River to learn more.