Disposal options
Pet waste should be sealed in a plastic bag and placed in the trash.
Home digesting of pet waste is possible, but not recommended, unless great care is taken to reduce exposure to pathogens; see Notes for more details.
Limitations, regulations and other specifications
Pet waste is not accepted for composting at any CSWD facilities.
Flushing pet waste is not recommended as waste water treatment plants don’t necessarily kill the pathogens present in pet waste, which can harm marine life.
Notes
Pet waste—particularly from meat-eating animals—can contain pathogens, parasites, and diseases that can be passed to humans with improper handling. We do not recommend composting pet waste from meat eaters in backyard composting systems if you plan to use the compost on a garden.
If digesting pet waste:
- Backyard digesting systems, such as a Doggie Dooley, are designed to break down pet waste into a liquid that is absorbed into the ground.
- Make sure to install the unit above the water table and far from any water sources.
- Keep the byproduct buried to prevent the spread of various parasites, pathogens, etc. which can survive in soils for a long time.
- Some all-natural kitty litters will break down in a pet waste digesting system.