You have a few options when it comes to how you dispose of your dog poop in an environmentally friendly way. Since your dog’s poop isn’t good for your grass or your gardens (unless part of a compost bin), you definitely want to pick it up! In addition, some cities require you to pick up your dog’s poop if you’re out on a walk to maintain clean, safe sidewalks and parks.

So, if you want to take care of your dog’s poop and the planet, here are a few ways to get started.

Use Paper Bags

There are two main paper poop bag options: PoopShark and Pooch Paper. Poop Shark is similar to a bag, while Pooch Paper is a simple sheet of paper you’ll need to twist into a package. 

While paper is definitely a better option for the environment, it’s not quite as easy to use—it can be harder to grab the poop and can easily get soggy after carrying poop for a few minutes.

If you’re in an urban area or your yard where you’ll be a quick hop and skip away from a trash can, this could be a great option, but if you’re planning hikes or longer walks, you will likely find that the poop starts to leak through the paper pretty quickly. 

Use a Septic System

It’s possible to build a septic system for your dog’s poop. You can use a large bucket or old trash can, cut holes in it, and cut out the bottom. Then, place it in a hole in the ground, surround it with rocks or gravel, and fill it with a starter of some kind that will decompose the dog poop naturally. 

Then, all you need to do is drop in the waste, add some water, and screw on the lid to keep the smell contained. If you add a little water once a week, this system will keep you going pretty much indefinitely and is a great, fairly easy (after the initial time investment) way to dispose of your dog’s poop safely.

Use Recyclable Bags

If you don’t want to go to the work of building a septic system or aren’t a huge fan of soggy bags, you can simply use recyclable bags. Choose old bread bags, newspaper bags, and the like and use those to pick up your dog’s poop. You could look for bags made of recycled materials, but there aren’t many of these, so you likely won’t get far. 

Find a Local Compost Site

Unfortunately, this will probably be harder than it sounds. While you’re likely not far from a compost program of some sort, most don’t accept pet waste. 

If you’re lucky enough to be near a compost site that does accept pet waste, you can easily take your dog poop in whatever biodegradable bag you choose and it should be good to go! Do an internet search and see if you’re near one…but if you’re living here in Idaho’s Treasure Valley, you’re probably out of luck.

Compost the Dog Poop Yourself

You can actually build a compost bin of your own and get rid of your dog poop that way. Keep in mind that this compost should probably not be used in your vegetable garden, but it’s a great way to keep the environment clean! 

You can make your own compost bin or buy one. As long as the poop is with other compost materials and is getting to the appropriate high heat (at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit) to break down harmful chemicals, you will be doing the earth a favor with a dog poop compost bin.

Bury It

You can also bury your dog’s poop, though this option is obviously best only if you live in a rural area far from water sources and city streets. Make sure you dig a hole at least six inches underground and away from food-growing soil. 

If you’re out on a hike in the woods and need to dispose of your dog’s poop, burying is the best option. Simply leaving it laying in the woods can disrupt the natural biosphere out there, so, if you can, take a minute to bury that poop instead.

Use a Poop Scooper

If you’re going to be in your yard or on a quick walk, you can simply use a poop scooper without a bag to pick up poop. That way, you aren’t throwing any plastic waste out with the pet waste. From there, throw the poop in a composting bin or a hole in the ground. In some places, you may be able to flush it down your toilet, but check in with your local sewage center first!