We are often asked if TuffBoxx is bear proof. We prefer to use the phrase animal resistant, as this is the preference of many government Natural Resources agencies. That being said, TuffBoxx has been tested by both Grizzly and even Polar bears (you can see videos of this by clicking here). Our Grizzly model has been certified as Grizzly Bear Resistant (when used with our Bear Guard Brackets – Full Side). We have designed TuffBoxx so that you can add the accessories that you require to keep out the size of bears that you will encounter on your property.

Bears are powerful, resourceful creatures, but there are different types of bears, with different sizes and abilities. We have designed TuffBoxx so that you can choose the options that will work best for the different bears a customer will encounter. For smaller to mid sized black bears (150 to 350 lbs.) we recommend using our Bear Guard – Front Corner Brackets, in conjunction with a padlock or with a snap hook (if you have waste pickup, then a padlock will not work for your collector). For larger black bears, grizzly, kodiak, or polar bears you will need to use the Bear Guard Brackets – Full Sides to be resistant to these bears. You will also need to use a heavier snap hook or pad lock for these powerful bears.

We recommend securing your TuffBoxx to make it the most bear resistant it can be. TuffBoxx has mount feet built into the base of the bin that can be used to mount it to a concrete pad or other solid base. Mounting the bin prevents the bear from upending it, and reduces the damage a bear can do to your TuffBoxx and other property (your house or car?). It also limits the possibility of your bin being stolen (you have the best bin available, and others may really like it).

TuffBoxx’s mount feet are built into the base of the bin, and are hidden from view. The mount feet are underneath the round swivel covers on top of the base on each of the 4 corners. If possible, it’s easiest to mount the base prior to assembly, but if not, you will need to get inside of the bin to access the covers. Once the covers are swiveled to the side, it is easy to find the mounts. All you will need to do is mark the hole locations for drilling the lag bolts.

You can even drill from the top of the base, but we suggest doing one bolt at a time to ensure that that holes do not drift, and all of the holes will line up with the mount holes. After tightening the bolts, you can slide the access covers back into position.

Yes, there are two set of holes at the rear corners of the base. These holes can be used to secure the bin to a tree or post with a chain or cable. The chain can be up to 1/4” size. The shorter you make the chain, the less leverage a bear can have to move or upend the bin.

No, you do not. The TuffBoxx’s reinforced lid design will easily keep out smaller critters like raccoons, squirrels, coyotes, wolves, or dogs (the lid is likely strong enough to even keep out the smaller to mid-sized bears). With these critters, it’s likely you will not even require the snap hook, but using one ensures they will keep out.

TuffBoxx is made with galvanized steel that is intended to stand up to the elements better than any other animal resistant product available. While very durable, to prevent rust, it is recommended to keep your TuffBoxx cleaned, especially if it is near to places where road salt is used. If kept washed and cleaned, or away from salt or other corrosive elements, there is no reason why a TuffBoxx shouldn’t stay rust free for many years of service.

If it’s road salt, or other corrosive elements, you should clean your TuffBoxx much like the way you would wash your car. Use soapy water and wash your bin in the spring after the road salt season, and rinse after cleaning. If it’s just typical garbage that may have spilled, wash the inside of the bin with soapy water and rinse with a hose (there are drain holes in the base for rinsing).

TuffBoxx has a limited three year warranty that covers any manufacturing defects. While TuffBoxx has a premium powder coated finish, over its all galvanized steel construction, the warranty doesn’t apply to issues connected to rust and corrosion that are caused by neglect due to improper cleaning where there is excessive road salt or other corrosive elements. Our goal is to have customers that are delighted with their TuffBoxx. Please call us at 844-426-5553 or e-mail tuffboxx@tierceltechnology.com for any warranty issues.