What to do with Pet Poo?

Our pets; we love them. Our families wouldn't be the same without them. There are days when our pets are the only ones who give us unconditional love and companionship. I don't know about you, but on those days, I don't mind that they get a little annoying around feeding time or that they demand to be snuggled and petted. The joy they bring to our lives is priceless. But as cute and loving as they are, their waste has to be dealt with.

The importance of being diligent with disposing of pet waste is a concern for all responsible pet owners. If this chore isn't tended to daily, dog owners end up with angry neighbors and cat owners end up with embarrassing odors in their homes. When trying to live a sustainable lifestyle, what is done with pet waste after it is cleaned up is just as important as keeping up with it in the first place.

At my home, cat poo goes into plastic grocery bags and is dumped in the garbage. The garbage then goes into a landfill. This process has always bothered me. Trying to live a sustainable lifestyle in the city can be challenging, I pick my battles, but I knew there had to be a better place to put my pet waste than a landfill. I started thinking, is there a better, more sustainable solution to pet waste disposal?

I discovered several companies that sell biodegradable bags to dispose of pet waste. In theory, the bag will break down, and then the waste. In reality though, even biodegradable items have a hard time breaking down in landfills. A study conducted by Professor William L. Rathje of the University of Arizona, found that landfills are packed so tightly that it is difficult to get enough sunlight to facilitate the biodegrade process. The design is deliberate; an attempt to retard the degradation process. This "mummifying" affect is meant to protect the environment from contaminants.

Disappointed by this first option I knew there had to be a way to dispose of the waste and have it benefit the earth. If farmers can use cow manure, then pet owners should have some sort of an option as well.

I immediately discovered that you certainly don't want to put pet waste in with regular compost. Since our pets eat meat, the composting process is not hot enough to kill viruses associated with meat such as E. Coli. However, I did discover several ways to compost pet waste by itself.

Several "Poo Converters" ranging from $80 to $400 in price are available. A quick search with any search engine will lead you to a variety of in ground and above ground converters. The low end converters are to be used outdoors. Most models are designed to be placed in the ground, away from your vegetable garden.

Several of the mid priced converters are worm bins. These bins are above ground and kept outside out of direct sunlight. Known as vermicomposting, worms are used to convert pet waste into nutrient-rich castings. Be sure to follow the directions carefully and purchase the correct worms.

The $400 converter is electric and can be kept inside or outside. A quicker process than the in-ground and vermicompost varieties, this model also creates a wonderful compost. It is also designed to use a small amount of electricity, which aleviates any environmental concerns.

Once the compost has been created, it can be used for trees, bushes, flowers or houseplants. Even though the compost is rich and full of nutrients, it is still not suitable for growing edible foods. Be sure to take care when determining where it will be used.

A do it yourself version can be made by burying a garbage can with the bottom taken out. As with the commercial converters, be sure to burry it in the further most corner of your yard away from your vegetable garden. Simply place the cat or dog poo in the can, add dirt and a small amount of septic activator.

Since I live in the city, the high end electric converter seemed to make the most sense, but my wallet disagreed. I am fortunate to have access to a yard where I live and, with my landlord's permission, it looks like I will be making a home made converter with a garbage can and finally putting my pet poo concerns to rest.