What To Do With Dog Poo.
Posted on September 3, 2009 by
I get lots of questions about dog waste disposal. Dog waste can carry a wide range of bacteria and parasites. Leaving it where it lies isn’t an option, but what should we do with it?
According to the Snohomish County Public Works: Surface Water Management Program the easiest, safest way to deal with dog waste is to tie it up in a plastic bag and throw it in the trash. It sounds counter intuitive, but waste management systems are better able to deal with dog waste in a way that protects our waterways.
Composting dog waste bags might sound like a great idea, but composting bags produce methane in landfills, and should be used only for materials you will be composting. However, you do not want to compost pet waste. Home composting processes do not necessarily heat up enough to kill the pollutants in pet waste. Doggie septic systems are quite fallible, with variables like temperature and water table levels adding to product failure. There is an electric pet waste composting unit that is designed to bring the waste to the appropriate germ and parasite killing heat, but it comes with a $400 price tag, and probably isn’t an option for most people.
If you don’t have a private septic tank, and are on a public waste system, you can flush dog waste down the toilet. There are even special flushable waste bags to help you do so. Cat waste is a different story, as Toxoplama gondii can apparently survive through sewage processing and pose a threat to marine mammals.
Whether you decide to bag, flush, or buy an electric composter, make sure you pick up dog waste promptly, so it doesn’t have time to leach into the soil. It’s a good thing dogs are cute, huh?
Just bought some flushable poop waste bags at http://www.flushdoggy.com/.
Coupon code “5off” gives you 5% off.
These must be too good to be true!
10% to ASPCA, 100% flushable & biodegradable AND free two-day shipping?
Aw, poop bags, I love you.
I usually flush it down the toilet, bagless. Thanks for opening my eyes to this alternative.
A safe way to dispose of your dog doo is to make a doggie loo. Dig a hole in the ground that will hold a trash can about to 3/4 of its depth. Line the hole with landscape fabric so weeds will not grow into the loo. Perforate the bottom of the trash can and place it in the lined hole. When you place the doo in the can, sprinkle a tiny bit of septic enzyme onto the waste and lightly water. It then safely dissipates into the ground without running off into waterways. Make sure the can has a tightly fitting lid and place it away from any kid play areas or veggie gardens.