The Best Ways to Dispose of Dog Poop

What's the best way to dispose of your dog's poop? While picking up after your dog isn't fun, it is a necessary part of being a responsible pet owner.

If you've ever wondered about the best methods for disposing of dog poop, you're not alone. Here, we explore common options for disposing of your dog's poop to find out which are best for both you and the environment.

Burying It

Burying your dog's poop might seem reasonable, but it's actually one of the worst ways to dispose of your pet's waste.

Burying dog poop can contaminate both soil and nearby water sources because it may contain dangerous pathogens like Giardia, Salmonella, E. coli, Ancylostoma, Cryptosporidium, and Toxocara canis. These pathogens can leach into the soil, contaminating ponds, streams, lakes, and even gardens that grow fruits and vegetables for human consumption.

Burying dog poop in your yard is also inadvisable, as certain parasites and bacteria can persist in the soil for months or even years, potentially infecting pets or humans.

6 Ways to Make Picking Up Dog Poop More Bearable

Tossing It in the Trash

The simplest way to dispose of your dog's poop is by picking it up with a bag and throwing it away in the trash. Although sending poop to the landfill might seem harmful to the environment, it's a viable option when balancing convenience with the need to protect soil and water from contamination. Therefore, it's important to always carry poop bags when walking your dog. Remember to never leave filled bags on the sidewalk, as you cannot expect others to pick them up. Always take your dog's poop with you to dispose of at home, or place the bag in a trash receptacle.

If the idea of plastic poop bags piling up in landfills is concerning, consider more eco-friendly alternatives from pet stores and online retailers, such as flushable bags and biodegradable, compostable bags. Flushable bags are crafted from materials designed to soften in water, facilitating easy disposal. However, not all brands dissolve equally well, and inadequate dissolution could cause plumbing issues.

Biodegradable poop bags are designed for composting. Contrary to common belief, these bags won't decompose in a landfill, as they require oxygen to break down. In landfill conditions, biodegradable bags persist similarly to plastic ones. However, even when discarded in the trash, biodegradable or compostable bags are a greener choice than petroleum-based plastic bags, as they are made from plant materials.

Flushing It

You may be able to flush your dog's poop, but it's important to check your community's guidelines. This method can be somewhat messy, considering the challenge of picking up the poop and transporting it to your toilet. Water-soluble bags marketed as flushable can assist but should be used with caution. Similar to flushable wipes for humans, these bags may cause clogs and plumbing issues if they don't dissolve quickly.

Composting It

Composting dog waste is possibly the most environmentally friendly option. This process involves containing the poop to allow it to decompose and destroy harmful pathogens. Composted dog poop can serve as fertilizer for ornamental gardens but should never be used for food gardens that produce fruits and vegetables. Proper equipment and maintenance are essential for effective composting.

Click here for helpful information from the USDA on composting dog poop. Some bags made from natural plant materials are compostable, allowing you to toss both the poop and the bag directly into your composter.