KETCHUM, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Animals will soon have a tougher time getting into residents’ trash in the Wood River Valley.
Starting Nov. 10, Ketchum residents will receive new trash carts.
Director of Community Engagement Daniel Hansen said the changes to trash carts stem from community concerns about wildlife eating their trash.
“We’ve been seeing increased sightings and conflict, so we want to make sure that we are reducing those and protecting wildlife from that,” Hansen said.
These new trash cans target predators and scavengers, and one particular animal has been hungry for residents’ trash.
“Black bears definitely are ones that do like to rummage through trash receptacles here up in Ketchum,” Hansen said.
The new trash cans will be much harder for animals to access, but still easy for humans to use.
“These carts are very simple to use; they are very much like normal garbage cans. The only difference is that when closed, the lid does not open, and to open it, you simply press the button in the front, and the lid opens,” said Mike Goitiandia, a managing member with Clear Creek Disposal.
If the trash cans are knocked over, they won’t open either. Goitiandia added that the trash carts also have a latch on the inside for safety.
“If somebody was on the inside, there’s a red button. You would simply press the red button, and it will unlatch the lock and lid pushes up,” Goitiandia said.
There is an increase in cost associated with the new trash carts.
“There’s a charge of $3.21 monthly that was added, that started in October, and you will see a delivery charge on your January bill of $12,” Hansen said.
Hansen said the cost will be worth it, as they were tested to see how the trash carts fared against the wildlife.
“We actually had our city administrator and a city council member try them out at their residence to see how they worked and how easy they were to use so they passed that test,” Hansen said.
Trash cart swapping will start in Warm Springs, followed by West Ketchum on Nov. 17, East Ketchum on Nov. 24, and any remaining properties beginning Dec. 1.
Hansen said a week before delivery, residents will find a notice on their old cart with instructions. He said residents have to leave their old cart on the street for replacement and leave it out until it is swapped for the new cart.
Copyright 2025 KMVT. All rights reserved.