Applicability  

 

This section has been divided into two categories, collection and disposal. Collection methods include different options for collecting feces, including plastic bags, biodegradable bags, shovels and pooper scoopers. Disposal methods include trash, toilet, septic or a composter.

Collection

Plastic bags: Plastic bags are not biodegradable, and may take up to a century to fully degrade. The only disposal method that can be combined with plastic bags are trash bins, since separation raises health concerns or expensive mechanical costs. They are both inexpensive and clean to use. Plastic bags are the most heavily used method in Seattle Parks, while also being the least environmentally friendly.

 

Biodegradable bags: Biodegradable bags naturally deteriorate over time but are moisture proof and safe for pet waste collection. These bags can be thrown in the trash as well, but can also be flushed down the toilet, placed in a compost bin, or even set out with the yard waste in cities like San Francisco . Biobags and Handicapped Pets are two certified companies that produce these bags.

For information on Biobags: http://www.biogroupusa.com/consumer.htm

Other biodegradable bags: http://handicappedpets.com/acc/flush/

 

Shovels and pooper scoopers: Shovels and pooper scoopers are reusable tools to pick up waste when a close by disposal method is present. While being the most environmentally friendly, and over long periods costing the least of all collection methods, they are the least socially acceptable option. The two main concerns are having to carry the tools, and having to clean them. In order for these tools to be effectively used in a dog park setting, they must be present on site, and there must be a nearby place to clean them.

Disposal

Trash: This is the simplest and most widely used method for dog manure disposal. Economically, this is the most expensive system, with the cost of having to haul the trash, and to pay for the landfill space. In Seattle Off leash areas, this method is the most commonly used, and overall dog owners have become accustomed to using it.

Flushing : Flushing droppings in the toilet is considered a good alternative to throwing the manure in the trash. However, a recent study in Ontario , Canada shows that in addition to high water costs flushing dog manure down the toilet can wreak havoc on sewage treatment infrastructure. Apparently the system cannot handle the harder ‘nuggets' and special masticators have to be retrofitted in order to handle the situation at a great cost to the plant. ( Taylor , Doo-Able project). Flushing requires biodegradable bags, in order to transport the waste and have it degrade in the sewer system. This method is not very useful in urban parks, most people will not carry the fecal matter all the way home to be disposed of.

For information on the trouble with flushing, see: http://www.nccpd.org/petwaste.html (pg 2).

Septic:Some dog parks are experimenting with the use of on-site septic system. Most are in the form of ‘Honey buckets' or ‘Porta-potties'. In Seattle Off leash areas these portable stations are often sawed in half with the basin exposed. Dog owners most frequently use biodegradable bags in combination with this system. The waste is collected in an underground sealed tank and is exported off site and hauled to a treatment facility.

 

Home-scaled composter: On a residential scale it is much simpler to handle dog manure. Many owners don't pick up after their pets every time, but rather do weekly or monthly cleanups. While the fecal matter will compost naturally in tall grass areas, it is safer to place the collected waste into a small composter. While commercial manufactured bins are available (see image on left –INSERT RES_COMPOSTER) many owners create a simpler version using an old garbage can and a bottle of digester to start the process. Digester is a non-toxic matter similar to the compound used in many septic systems. These systems work similarly to the larger composting systems, and simply require the addition of bulking material to create the right carbon to nitrogen ratio. Through utilizing the digester liquid, waste volumes can be reduced by up to 90%.

 

For information on commercial manufactured composting systems and the Digestor:

http://www.composters.com/docs/petdigester.html

For information on home made composting systems:

http://www.cityfarmer.org/petwaste.html

Large-scale composter: Large scaled composters require 10-20 dogs to function properly (UAF study). This solution would require regular maintenance (including checking the temperature of the pile, turning the pile, sealing full bins and using the composted material as a soil amendment. These composters could be used in conjunction with biodegradable bags or reusable tools for collection. There are too few studies to adequately address the social, economic and ecological impact of this method. It is expected that a properly managed pile is odorless and easily manageable, that the pathogens are killed and the composted output is a beneficial soil amendment, and that the economic benefits are numerous. The rest of this research paper is focused on this method.