Progress Summary

Why Are We Doing This Project

The Land Development Regulations regarding bear proof trash containers were updated on April 10, 2022. Refuse and recycle containers and dumpsters are required to be bear resistant in all of Teton County as of July 1, 2022.  Enforcement began November 1, 2022.  

Who Will Benefit

Humans and bears benefit when garbage is properly stored in bear-resistant trash containers. When bears associate people with food, they may lose their natural fear of humans, potentially leading to dangerous encounters. Bears that become habituated to human food sources may start to seek out human settlements for food, causing property damage and increasing the risk of conflicts. 

Call your trash hauling company to obtain a bear-resistant container:

• Star Valley Disposal: 307-885-9645
• Teton Trash Removal: 307-733-6840
• Westbank Sanitation: 307-733-2615
• Yellow Iron: 307-734-0583

What Is The Estimated Timeline

This is an ongoing educational campaign to help residents and visitors understand the importance of properly using bear-resistant trash containers. 

Funding And Costs

There is no cost associated with the Land Development Regulations that requires the use of bear-resistant trash containers.

Ways To Provide Input

Provide input to Teton County Commissioners: commissioners@tetoncountywy.gov.

Want To Learn More?

Minimizing Wildlife Conflict in Teton County Video

The Mountain Neighbor Handbook

Local Regulations via BearWise Jackson Hole

Project Manager for Wildlife Feeding Land Development Regulations:

Olivia Graykowski

Code Compliance Officer

300 S Willow Street

Jackson, WY 83001

307-733-3959 (office)

ograykowski@tetoncountywy.gov

Chris Colligan

Public Works Project Manager

320 South King Street

Jackson, WY 83001

307-732-8546 (office)

307-699-1408 (cell)

ccolligan@tetoncountywy.gov