Figure 1. Bear-proof container is heavy-duty constructed and holds 2 - 32 gallon trash
containers. Container was designed and constructed by David Brandenburg.
Figure 2. Bear-proof container requires a pin to be inserted into hole to open each lid. Pin is
also attached to container by cable to prevent loss. So far, I have not witnessed a bear using
tools.
Figure 3. Door latches are a very simple design and constructed of 1” x 1/8” flat bar. Latches
are made by bending metal held in bench vice with hammer. Latches will last indefinitely and
will require no maintenance.
Figure 4. Doors are secured by welding barrel hinges to container.
Figure 5. For strength, bear-proof container is constructed with 9 gauge, 3/4” expanded metal
and 2” x 3/16” angle iron for frame and legs.
Figure 6. Lids are constructed with heavy-duty 12 gauge sheet metal framed with 1” x 1/8”
angle iron. These lids will not cave in from weight of a bear. Importantly, lids are recessed to
prevent bears from prying open lids using their claws. This is where most other containers fail in
their design.
Figure 7. Optional feet have been welded to this container and container is bolted to concrete.
This just keeps raiding bears from moving container around. Additionally,this container is
designed to prevent bear entry even if container is tipped over by bear.
Figure 8. Inexpensive steel drums can be used to secure garbage from raiding black bears. For
convenience, I added a handle to the lid. Drums come with a standard locking ring. Drums can
be tethered using 3/16” steel cable as indicated in picture. Modifications to drums were designed
and constructed by David Brandenburg. Steel drums come in various sizes and can be purchased
at:
Volunteer Drums
3311 John Sevier HWY
Knoxville, TN 37914
(865) 673-9396
www.volunteerdrum.com
Figure 9. Inexpensive plastic drums can be modified to be bear resistance. An aluminum lid
was custom fitted to drum. Lid is secured with a stainless steel hinge.
Figure 10. A pin must be used to open the lid. Pin is secured to container using 1/8” steel cable.
Modifications to drums were designed and constructed by David Brandenburg. Plastic drums
come in various sizes and can be purchased at:
Volunteer Drums
3311 John Sevier HWY
Knoxville, TN 37914
(865) 673-9396
www.volunteerdrum.com