Compostable poop solutions for pet waste

The average dog produces about 274 pounds of waste yearly, per the U.S. EPA. Composting keeps this out of landfills, where it would sit in plastic bags for decades, and can reduce waste volume by up to 50% when done right. Plus, it turns a problem into a sustainable resource for your non-edible garden.

Managing pet waste in an eco-friendly way is a great goal, and there are several compostable solutions available for handling pet poop sustainably. Here are some effective options based on current knowledge and practices:

Composting dog poop at home 💩

Dog poop is compostable, but it requires careful handling due to potential pathogens like E. coli, roundworms, and salmonella. To compost it safely at home, you want to use a dedicated compost bin. Set up a separate bin just for pet waste to avoid contaminating the compost used for edible plants. A simple DIY option is a plastic bin with drilled holes for aeration, buried partially in the ground. Don’t simply add the pet waste to the bin. Mix the poop with carbon-rich materials such as sawdust, straw, or shredded leaves (about 2 parts carbon to 1 part poop) to balance nitrogen and aid decomposition.

It’s very important that you maintain high temperatures. The compost pile needs to reach at least 140°F (60°C) for several days to kill pathogens. Use a long-stemmed thermometer to monitor this. Turning the pile weekly helps with aeration and heat distribution. Remember, you want to keep this compost separate from other composting materials. Once decomposed (typically 4-8 weeks), the compost should only be used on ornamental plants or shrubs, not food crops, due to lingering pathogen risks.

Precautions: In addition to only using the compost on non-edible plants, avoid composting poop from sick pets or those on certain medications, as it may contain harmful residues.

In-ground pet waste digesters 💩

In-ground pet waste digesters offer a low-maintenance, compostable solution. You do this by burying a perforated container (like a trash can with holes drilled in the sides) in your yard. Add pet waste, a septic starter (available at hardware stores), and water. The waste breaks down into a liquid that leaches into the soil. This helps the environment and you by keeping waste out of landfills, mimicking a septic system, and requiring minimal upkeep—just add waste and an occasional digester tablet or liquid (think septic additives). Be sure to place it away from water sources and edible gardens, and check local regulations. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recognizes this kind of solution for public places as well to lower the dangers of groundwater contamination.

The following is a product available from Doggie Dooley if you want to buy a premade solution.

Compostable poop bags 💩

Whether you’re composting yourself or sending them to a landfill, compostable poop bags are a great option. Certified compostable bags offer a convenient way to collect pet waste for composting. Choose bags certified by standards like ASTM D6400 or BPI, made from plant-based materials (e.g., cornstarch or vegetable starch). There are many brands available on the market. While these bags can break down in a well-managed home compost pile, it may take up to a year unless conditions are optimal (heat, moisture, oxygen). Add the bagged poop to your pet waste bin and monitor decomposition. Avoid “biodegradable” bags without certification—they often don’t decompose as claimed and may contain plastics.

Vermicomposting (worm composting) 💩

Using worm farms to compost pet waste is less common but possible. Again, create a separate worm bin for pet waste with red wigglers, kept outdoors or in a garage but not under your sink due to odor risks. Add poop, bedding (shredded paper or cardboard), and worms. Worms break down organic matter efficiently, reducing waste volume. However, success varies—worms may prefer food scraps over poop, and odor control can be tricky. It’s less reliable for pathogen elimination compared to hot composting, and it’s best not to use this compost for food gardens. Here’s a video to give you a better visual.

Flushing (Without Bags) ❌

To flush or not flush.

While not composting in the traditional sense, flushing unbagged poop is a compostable-adjacent option when there is no better option. Simply, scoop poop directly into the toilet and flush. Avoid flushing bags—even “flushable” ones can clog plumbing. Don’t flush dirt or kitty litter.

However, there are a few things you should seriously consider before flushing your pet’s waste. First, it’s definitely not ideal for septic systems and can lead to clogged drain lines. Most importantly, the most pressing issue is the pathogens that are passed from pet poop to human water system. Cat poop? It’s not worth the risk to human life. Cats’ feces often have a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, which can infect humans and other animals. Some waste treatment plants aren’t equipped to properly kill this parasite properly. Dog and cat poop can contain roundworms (Toxocara spp and Toxascaris leonina) causing the infection Toxocara, which can in turn show up in the water supply. So, if you’re flushing your pet waste or considering it, you may want to think otherwise

Things to remember

• Safety first: Always wear gloves when handling pet waste, and wash hands thoroughly afterward. Keep compost away from kids and pets.
• Location: Place compost systems in sunny, well-drained spots away from water sources or play areas. Also, think about how the wind may draft any odors.
• Pathogen caution: Home composting may not fully eliminate pathogens, so never use the result on edible plants. Flushing pet waste can be harmful for both humans and aquatic life.