In celebration of International Pooper Scooper Week we’re going to outline the optimal methods that you, as a dog owner, can utilize to dispose of dog waste in an environmentally-conscious manner.
Baggies and Trash
Though they may offer convenience, numerous of these baggies are manufactured from plastic and plastic doesn’t decompose. They also contain petrochemicals that can seep into the soil. Even baggies claiming to be ‘biodegradable’ aren’t what they seem—they’re manufactured from cornstarch and plastic that fragments into microscopic particles that harm the environment.
When searching for baggies, seek ones that are compostable and biodegradable, meaning they are absent of any plastic or plastic-like material. Baggies also require financial investment, which means it’s also sensible to utilize material you already possess on hand, such as yesterday’s newspaper.
Scoop and Trash
Collecting waste and depositing it in the trash functions reasonably well unless the waste will remain for a day or two until garbage collection. If precipitation occurs, bacteria from the waste can wash off into your water supply. It also draws and nourishes flies, rats and other creatures you likely don’t desire in your yard.
Scoop and Flush
Collecting and flushing waste is probably the optimal approach to utilize when disposing of waste, but confirm it’s acceptable with your local water treatment facility before implementing this method. Under no conditions should you ever flush a baggie down the toilet even if it claims to be ‘flushable.’ These don’t function effectively and they frequently become clogged in pipes.
Composting
Composting dog waste represents another alternative. You can compost dog waste either in your personal backyard or at a municipal compost facility if you have one in your region that accepts dog waste as compost material.
Numerous municipal compost facilities don’t accept dog waste for two reasons:
- Dog waste contains both harmful bacteria and pathogens. Processing dog waste into compost mixture can pose a risk for both health and safety reasons.
- Waste bags contaminate the current environment, which means it’s simpler for municipal compost facilities to refuse dog waste.
If you intend to compost waste in your personal yard, ensure you are utilizing a bag that is 100% safe for use in a compost pile. You don’t want it to ultimately contaminate other compost material and you don’t want it to disrupt your compost environment.
This post is brought to you by Rocky Mountain Pooper Scoopers. They proudly serve the Greater Salt Lake City area, including Sandy, West Jordan, and Taylorsville, offering dependable and affordable pet waste removal services. Call (385) 392-0791 today for your free estimate—weekly rates start at just $18.00. Visit their website at rockymountainpooperscoopers.com to read reviews and learn more.
Happy Tails!
