The Scoop on Dog Poop

Did you know dog waste can pollute rivers and lakes even if you don’t live near a waterway? If you live in town and own a dog you could still be polluting them. When dog waste is not disposed of properly, it can be picked up by stormwater and washed into the stormdrain. Stormwater occurs when rain falls on impervious surfaces: as the water flows over the ground towards the stormdrain it can pick up garbage, chemicals, and dog waste to be carried to the nearest waterway. Unlike a sewer system, the water in the stormdrain is not cleaned or treated before it dumps into the stream. Dog waste contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can harm humans. If the waste does end up in the stream, it will consume oxygen and low oxygen levels can harm fish and other aquatic life. Here are some simple solutions to help reduce pet waste in our waterways:

  1. Send it to the dump! Pick up after your dog. Use a plastic bag to remove the waste and dispose of it in the trash
  2. Flush it! If you must, you can flush it down the toilet.
  3. Don’t plant it! Do NOT put cat or dog waste into your composting bin or pile. It can leach bacteria, viruses, pathogens, and diseases into the soil.
  4. Bury it! Purchase an in-ground pet waste digester. Ask your local pet supplier where you can purchase a digester.
  5. Don’t put pet waste or anything down a stormdrain.

Be a mindful dog owner and clean up after your pooch.