Pet Poop Problem
A question we get all the time is “what is the best way to dispose of my pet waste?” The unfortunate answer is that simply leaving our pets waste to naturally decompose can be harmful due to the sheer load that would be present, with many Humboldt residents owning pets. The EPA estimates that two or three days’ worth of droppings from a population of about 100 dogs would contribute enough bacteria to temporarily close a bay and all watershed areas within 20 miles of it.
All about poop
Here are some additional facts about pet waste and why it’s a huge issue! Dog waste takes about 9 weeks to break down, all while creating an environment for bacteria and mold to grow. A single gram of dog waste can contain 23 million fecal coliform bacteria. Dog waste can also carry diseases that can be passed to wildlife such as whipworms, hookworms, tapeworms, parvo, canine coronavirus, giardiasis, and salmonellosis to name a few. With dogs’ scent glands being located in their butt, the smell can disturb local wildlife and overload their senses while foraging. Many of the aforementioned contaminants also can easily be carried into waterways when it rains, affecting not only local wildlife but potentially humans as well. These bio-contaminants can also exacerbate algal blooms, which Humboldt waterways already struggle with seasonally.
Plastic Free Future
The use of excess plastic is of course a concern of ours. Luckily there are options available. Simply reusing paper bags or plastic bags you may have lying around the house is a great option. There are plastic-free options from brands like Earth Rated (industrially compostable) & Cycle Dog (biodegradable) that allow you to responsibly dispose of pet waste while avoiding plastics.
Flush it
While it may vary depending on your municipal code, flushing dog waste is an entirely safe and effective way to dispose of your pet’s poop. Unbagged dog waste is entirely safe to flush. We checked with Arcata’s Environmental Services department and they gave us the A-OK to flush dog waste. The EPA does permit flushing of dog waste as a safe method, but always check with your city’s environmental or wastewater departments before you go ahead and toss your dog’s waste down the drain. Proper disposal of cat waste is incredibly important, and incorrect disposal can negatively impact wildlife. NEVER FLUSH CAT WASTE!
Compost it
We also get asked about composting dog waste, which similarly to human waste the resulting compost shouldn’t be used on edible crops. Parasites and bacteria can live in dog waste including E. coli and salmonella along with several types of worms like ringworm and tapeworm. They can live in the soil for years so it’s best to keep your dog's waste away from your gardens or from where your animals can get to it. According to the EPA & USDA, dog waste is a safe soil additive for revegetation and landscaping when it is composted properly. While it may be safe to compost dog waste, it is not recommended to compost. Cat waste can carry toxoplasmosis which can greatly impact wildlife and be carried through birth for generations. We have a whole article on the proper disposal of cat waste if you would like to learn more. Reducing the amount of waste your pets produce can greatly reduce their impact by using more nutrient-dense food!
Humboldt Pet Supply hosts a monthly clean-up at The Arcata Marsh during the spring and summer months to help keep our lovely local animal sanctuary clean and poop-free. Our next clean-up will be on Earth Day, April 22nd. We would love your help if you want to join!
