Dog waste is a public health issue. Keeping parks and streets clean is an important problem that needs to be addressed daily.

Dog Waste Bags

Saw man’s best friend doing his business and the owner responsibly picking up the waste with a reused plastic bag.  Petroleum based plastic bags take forever to decay.  Biodegrabable dog waste bags made of starch are available that degrade in only 90 days to 18 months. If these bags reach the landfill, they will take even longer decompose. Landfills are designed to protect the environment and prevent leakage, so it is hard for air and liquids to circulate, which help facilitate biodegradation. When organic matter decays in a landfill, it usually creates the greenhouse gas methane. Make sure dog droppings are not put into the compost bin.

Flushing Dog Waste

A greener alternative would be to flush only the dog waste (no bag)  into the sewer system or to use an inground dog waste digester like the Doggie Dooley or Staywell Eco Clean. Do not do this with cat poop as it contains toxins that affect marine life. You need to consult with your local municipal waste provider to ensure you follow their guidelines.

You could also make a worm farm or do composting or buy or make a dog toilet aka doggy loo.