Summer

Pet Waste - Here, we will be considering dog waste. If you have questions about how to be environmentally responsible with other types of animal waste, check out the resources at the bottom of this page.

Why are we concerned about Dog Waste?

No one likes stepping in dog poop, but there are bigger problems than dirty sneakers. According to the EPA, dog poop is as toxic to the environment as a chemical or oil spill. Not only that, but dog waste contains and attracts disease-causing organisms that can be transmitted to wildlife, pets, and humans. Fecal coliform bacteria (such as E.coli), salmonella, roundworms, and giardia are a few well known pathogens.

Best Practices for Residents, Businesses, and Property Managers

Waste Happens!

Dogs can be special companions and an important part of our lives. More than half of households in America own at least 1 dog (~54%). That adds up to about 108 million dogs as pets in the United States! Unfortunately, that also adds up to about 248lbs. of waste per year for each dog.

Problems with too much dog waste.

Humans: Pet waste contains a variety of potentially dangerous, disease-causing pathogens that can make humans very sick. Decomposing animal waste can make water smelly, green, scummy, and altogether unattractive, not to mention potentially unsafe for swimming and water recreation. Diseases can also be spread to humans from animal waste through the soil or by flies and other decomposer insects. Gardeners and children working or playing in areas where pet waste is not properly managed are most at risk. Pathogens can also contaminate ground water, which is sometimes used as a drinking water supply.

Graphic depicting a closeup of small bacteria.

Land Animals: If you have multiple animals, or take your pets to areas where there are other animals, chances are much higher of spreading diseases to each other if waste is not properly managed. Some of these diseases are not only shared between pets of the same species, but can also be spread to wildlife. Similarly, don't feed wild geese/ducks, this causes them to gather in a small area, and so does their waste.

Aquatic Animals: When animal waste gets into water, aside from containing potential pathogens, it will release excess nutrients as it breaks down. Too many nutrients can lead to excess algae growth and deplete the oxygen available to aquatic life. See the Spring Stormwater Tips page for more information about Harmful Algae Blooms.

Dog swimming through water covered in green algae.

Watch our Summer 'Seasonal Stormwater Series' video to learn more!

1. BRING YOUR OWN DOG WASTE BAGS - You can purchase ordinary rolls of plastic bags, or go for the scented or biodegradable versions. Sometimes parks offer bags, but don't rely on these except as a backup. You can also repurpose old grocery bags, used sandwich bags, or virtually any plastic bag. In your yard, you can reduce the plastic bags needed and use a scooper, but this should still be put into a single larger plastic bag for final disposal.

Dog looking at a waste bag held by its owner.

2. PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOG - Even if you are at a park, waste from carnivores doesn't simply decompose like leaf litter. It requires very high temperatures to kill pathogens and keep them from spreading as the organic components break down. This is also true at home, where you wouldn't want kids running around if waste wasn't picked up, and your neighbors will surely appreciate your efforts. It is important to pick up after your pet no matter where you are when they decide its time to go.

3. PROPERLY DISPOSE OF WASTE - There are a few options when it comes to getting rid of pet waste. Simply throw it in the trash (in a plastic bag), remove it from the plastic bag and flush in the toilet, or compost. Remember: compost with waste from pets that east meat should NOT be used on home lawns, vegetable, or flower gardens, and MUST be heated to a proper temperature. See below for more information on safely composting pet waste.

Hands throwing out a dog waste bag in a trash can.

Ways to Properly Dispose of Dog Waste

Resources

Small public trash can with a roll of small plastic bags and a drawing of a dog.

Throw into the trash - In a sealed or tied bag/container.
Remove from bag and flush - Do not flush bags or other materials. Flushing pet waste down the toilet ensures that the water is properly treated before it gets back into the environment.
Compost your pet waste - Pet waste that can be composted: Dog & cat waste, compostable cat litter, chicken droppings, wood or paper bedding from most pets. Do not compost in plastic bags, or use on residential gardens or lawns. Read the article below to learn about properly composting dog waste. *Composted waste MUST reach a high enough temperature to kill dangerous pathogens. Not recommended for use on vegetables or where children play.*