There is a misconception that you chose to be environmentally friendly by leaving your dog waste on the grass or garden. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Dog waste is not a fertiliser. It is high in nitrogen phosphorus and will kill your grass due to the acidity if not picked up. It also contains parasites and bacteria that can spread and be harmful to both humans and pets, and they can stay in the soil for years. Avoid the risk. Think of your children, your health and our planet. 

Become a responsible, sustainable dog owner, make smarter decisions, pick up after your canine companion, and dispose of dog waste the right way.

Why Should I Pick Up Dog Waste?

Dog waste can take up to 12 months to break down, so when left to decompose, our weather conditions can cause the dog waste to wash into our drainage systems, contaminating our natural resources such as rivers, lakes and streams.  It will then decompose and release harmful nutrients that will cause excessive growth of algae in the water source.

How Can I Dispose Of It?

There are multiple ways to dispose of your dog waste, so you will have to consider what option would suit you the best, the commitment you are willing to undertake and the facilities available within your local area.

1. Bury It: If you have plenty of gardens available, you can get out your garden tools and dig out a hole of approximately 6-12 inches deep, then collect your dog waste from your garden and place it into the hole before covering it up with the soil. Also empty any bags used to pick up your dog waste into the hole, ensuring you do not bury the bag as it can only go in your general waste bin.  You will find in warm moist soil the waste will only take approximately two weeks to decompose.

2. Flush It: Check with your local council to ensure they can process pet waste before flushing it. If your local council has this process available, collect your dog waste from your garden and flush it down the toilet. Also empty the contents of any bags used to pick up your dog waste, ensuring you do not flush the bag as they are not made flushable and must go in your general waste bin. Do not flush pet waste if you have a septic tank.

3. Composting: Make a homemade compost bin, specifically for dog waste. A compost bin stops the production of harmful methane gas and allows you to pop your compostable dog bag in along with your dog waste, making it efficient whilst creating a usable product to use in your garden. Ensure there are no holes and the lid seals because it needs to reach the necessary temperature (50-60 degrees) for the natural decomposition process to destroy all parasites and bacteria found in dog waste. Add grass clippings, plants, sawdust and other organic waste to help with the decomposing process. It is advisable to keep your dog compost separate from your food waste. Do not use any compost with dog waste on your fruit and vegetables because of the parasites found in the dog waste put on your plants and shrubs only. You can also check out your local area to see if there is an industrial compost waste disposal facility where you can send your dog waste out for composting.

4. Make A Worm Farm: The advantage of a worm farm is that you can pop your compostable dog bag in along with your dog’s waste, and you can also process most of your food waste. The best place to put a worm farm would be under a shady tree or porch, as they should not go in direct sunlight and too much rain can drown the worms, so keep them in a covered place. It is advisable to purchase one with a lid to discourage any vermin. Invest in a worm farm, let the worms do the work, and you will have your fresh fertiliser in less than 2 weeks. Do not use any compost with dog waste on your fruit and vegetables because of the parasites found in the dog waste put on your plants and shrubs only. 

5. Place In A Waste Bin: Most councils do not accept pet waste in your green bin, contact your local council to see if they have the facility for disposal in your FOGO bin (Food Organics & Garden Organics).  If they do not have the facility, you must place your dog waste into your general waste bin (It is advisable to use a degradable or compostable dog bag to limit plastic waste in landfills). If you are fortunate enough to have an advanced council, then you can pop your dog’s waste in your FOGO bin (Use a compostable dog bag to keep your bin clean and prevent unpleasant odours).

Why Use Dog Bags?

We are fortunate to have access to dog parks and off the leash areas, ensuring we keep our furry friends fit and active. Our outdoor lifestyle allows us to involve our canine companion in our day to day activities.

Sunshine Coast Regional Council - Dog Parks & Off The Leash Area

Degradable or Compostable dog bags are specifically designed for dog waste, making them a necessary travel companion when you are out and about with your furry friend.

Where Do I Put The Bag Of Waste?

What Will I Need?

Vets with their own dog parks would benefit from a dog dispenser and degradable dog bags or compostable dog bags.
Households, Pet Shops and Environmentally conscious individuals can invest in a carton of degradable dog bags, compostable dog bags or rolls of compostable dog bags.

‘It is your duty as a pet owner to be responsible and do your part, pick it up.’

Learn more from our resources:- Responsible dog ownership-sunshine coast council  Which Bin-SA Government  Qld Government-Parks & Forests Dogs & Pets  Sunshine Coast Regional Council - Dog Parks & Off The Leash Area