​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. 

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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.

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

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 108M dogs as pets in the United States! Unfortunately, that adds up to about 248lbs. of per per year for each dog.

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Problems with too much dog waste

• Humans:

• Land Animals:

• Aquatic Animals:

Best Practices for Residents, Businesses, and Property Managers

• Bring your own dog waste bags-

• Pick up after your dog -

• Properly dispose of waste -

Ways to Properly Dispose of Dog Waste

• 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 - do not compost in plastic bags. 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.* 

nrcs_composting_pet_waste.pdf
File Size:	7645 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Resources

For Residents

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Composting Pet Waste

What can be composted?

• Dog & cat waste​
• Compostable cat litter
• Chicken droppings
• Wood or paper bedding from most pets.

Don't feed wild ducks/geese

• This causes them to gather in a small area, and so does their waste.

For Businesses &
Property Managers

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Apartments & Businesses

• Create designated pet area, & provide waste bags & trash cans.

Horses & Livestock

• ​Manure Management Plans
• Manure Stockpile Worksheet

nrcs_stockpile_distances.pdf
File Size:	133 kb
File Type:	pdf

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For Municipalities

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Managing dog waste in parks

• Create designated pet area, & provide waste bags & trash cans.
• Install underground pet waste disposal systems. (these work like septic)