The Best Way to Dispose of Dog Poop
Picking up after your dog isn't just polite—it's essential for health and environmental reasons. Dog waste can carry harmful pathogens and parasites like Giardia, Salmonella, E. coli, roundworm, and parvovirus. These organisms can linger in soil and water for years, posing risks to people, pets, and wildlife. So, what's the smartest way to handle your dog's business?
Why Proper Disposal Matters
Leaving dog poop on the ground contaminates soil and water. Rain can wash bacteria into streams and lakes, boosting algae growth, lowering oxygen levels, and sometimes killing fish. Children playing outside or adults gardening may come into contact with contaminated soil. Picking up after your dog protects everyone.
Most Common Method: Bag It & Trash It
The simplest solution is to scoop up the poop with a bag—plastic grocery bags work, but so do specialty poop bags—and toss it in the trash. This keeps pathogens out of the environment. Make sure you tie the bag securely before disposal; this prevents leaks and protects sanitation workers.
- Plastic bags: Widely available but slow to break down in landfills.
- Biodegradable bags: Break down under certain conditions but may not decompose well in landfills.
- Compostable bags: Made from plant materials; break down more completely but need specific conditions.
If you're looking for an eco-friendlier option, try compostable or biodegradable bags—but remember that most landfills don't provide ideal conditions for them to break down quickly.
Alternative Disposal Methods
- Green waste/compost bins: Some communities allow wrapped dog waste in green bins or compost bins (check local rules).
- Flushing: Flushing dog poop sends it to sewage treatment plants where it's processed safely. Don't flush if you have a septic system—it can overwhelm it. Only use water-soluble bags labeled for flushing; never flush plastic bags.
- Composting at home: Composting dog waste is possible but requires a dedicated system that reaches at least 165°F for several days. Never use composted pet waste on edible plants—ornamentals only!
- Commercial digesters: Mini-septic tanks designed for pet waste can be buried in your yard. They need regular water and enzyme additions; remove non-biodegradable materials manually.
- Worm farming (vermiculture): A dedicated worm bin away from food gardens can process pet waste. Use finished compost only on non-edible plants.
Burying dog poop directly in your yard isn't recommended—the pathogens stick around and can leach into water sources. If you must bury it, dig at least six inches deep and stay far from gardens or wells (but even then, it's not risk-free).
Pitfalls & Precautions
- Avoid adding pet waste to household compost piles used for food gardens—it won't get hot enough to kill pathogens.
- If your dog is sick or has recently been dewormed, don't add its waste to any composting system.
- Bags should always be tied tightly before disposal.
Your Responsibilities as an Owner
You should clean up your yard at least once a week and always carry cleanup supplies on walks—many public areas offer disposal stations but don't rely on them exclusively. Fines may apply if you don't pick up after your pet.
If you notice changes in your dog's poop (color or consistency), it could signal digestive issues—consult your vet if problems persist.
The Bottom Line
- Scoop promptly every time.
- Tie off the bag securely before tossing it in the trash (unless local programs say otherwise).
- Avoid leaving waste on the ground—it doesn't fertilize gardens safely!
- If allowed locally, consider eco-friendly disposal options like composting or flushing (with proper precautions).
- Always wash hands after handling pet waste.
