Can Pet Waste Be Composted? A Complete Guide

Pet ownership brings joy, but it also comes with the responsibility of managing pet waste. With millions of dogs and cats in households worldwide, the environmental impact of pet waste is significant. Composting offers a sustainable solution, but is it safe and practical?

This guide explores whether pet waste can be composted, how to do it safely, and eco-friendly alternatives for pet owners and businesses.

What Counts as Pet Waste?

Pet waste includes more than just the obvious. Here’s what typically falls under the category:

Dog poop – most common type of pet waste.
Cat poop – includes issues with cat litter compost and chemical additives.
Used cat litter – especially if it’s clay-based vs. biodegradable.
Bedding from small animals – like rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs.

Can you compost dog and cat waste? Technically, yes. But due to the high pathogen risk in compost, it needs special handling.

What is Pet Waste Composting

Pet waste composting involves breaking down dog or cat feces using microbes in a controlled environment, transforming it into nutrient-rich compost. Unlike food or yard waste composting, pet waste contains unique challenges due to pet waste pathogens, such as Toxoplasma gondii in cat waste or roundworms in dog feces. These require specific conditions to ensure safe disposal of pet feces.

Key Differences:

Pet Waste vs. Food/Yard Waste: Pet waste requires dedicated composters to avoid cross-contamination with edible garden compost.
Composting Types:
- Home Composting: Uses in-ground or tumbler systems like the Doggie Dooley composter for backyard pet waste composting.
- Municipal Composting: Some cities (e.g., Seattle, San Francisco) accept pet waste in municipal composting for pet waste programs, but regulations vary.
Usage: Compost from pet waste is safe only for ornamental plants, not food crops, due to health risks of pet waste composting.

Composting pet waste for ornamental plants reduces pet waste and landfill waste, making it a viable option for eco-conscious pet owners. However, safety and local composting rules for pet waste must be considered.

When Can Pet Waste Be Composted?

High compost temperature: Your pile must reach between 55–65°C (131–149°F) consistently to kill pathogens.
Separate system: Never mix pet waste compost with edible plant compost.
Time: Allow at least 6–12 months for full breakdown.
Proper aeration and carbon balance: Add sawdust, leaves, or shredded paper to balance the nitrogen-heavy waste.

Composting animal waste requires more care than traditional organic waste management, but it is achievable.

Is It Safe to Compost Pet Waste?

Composting pet poop is not as straightforward as composting fruit peels or grass clippings. The biggest concern is the potential for pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite often found in cat feces. Dog feces also contain harmful bacteria like E. coli and parasites that can survive in soil.

So, is pet poop compostable? Yes—but only when composted under controlled conditions that destroy these pathogens. That’s why home composting safety becomes critical.

How to Compost Pet Waste at Home

Home Composting (DIY)

Choose a Composter: Select a pet waste composting system like the Doggie Dooley composter ($50, Amazon) for in-ground use or a tumbler like Pet Waste Wizard ($100, petwastewizard.com).
Use Compostable Bags: Collect waste in ASTM D6400 certified bags (e.g., UNNI Compostable Bags) to ensure decomposition. Avoid plastic bags, which don’t break down.
Set Up Composter: Install in a well-drained, non-flooding area, at least 10 feet from edible gardens or water sources.
Add Waste & Carbon: Layer pet waste with carbon-rich materials (sawdust, dry leaves) to maintain the carbon-nitrogen ratio in composting. Aim for 30 parts carbon to 1 part waste.
Enhance Decomposition: Add enzyme digesters for pet waste (e.g., Waste Terminator, $15, Amazon) to speed up microbial activity. Stir weekly to aerate.
Monitor & Wait: Check temperature (140°F+) with a compost thermometer. Composting takes 6-12 months, depending on climate and maintenance.
Use Compost: Apply mature compost to ornamental plants, such as flower beds or shrubs, avoiding food crops.

Tools Needed:

Compost thermometer ($10-20, Amazon).
Shovel for mixing.
Carbon sources (sawdust, leaves).
Compostable pet waste bags.

Use this compost only for ornamental plants or trees—never for edible gardens.

Municipal or Industrial Composting

Some cities offer green bin composting that accepts pet waste. This is usually processed in industrial composting systems that reach high temperatures.

Before using compostable dog poop bags, confirm with your municipality that they accept pet waste. Many facilities only accept food or yard waste.

Best Tools and Products for Pet Waste Composting

Comparison Table:

Product	Type	Price	Capacity/Quantity	Best For
Doggie Dooley 3000	In-Ground Composter	$50	10 gallons	Backyard, 1-2 dogs
Pet Waste Wizard	Tumbler Composter	$100	5 gallons	Apartments, small spaces
UNNI Compostable Bags	Bags	$16/270	9×13 inches	Budget-friendly, retail
Pogi’s Bags	Bags	$15/180	9×14 inches	Large dogs, subscriptions
Waste Terminator	Enzyme Digester	$15	1-year supply	All composting systems

Prices as of May 2025, subject to change.

These are the best pet waste composting products for pet owners and pet waste composting for dog parks. Pet waste composting cost varies ($50-150 initial setup), but long-term savings outweigh landfill disposal costs.

Compostable Poop Bags: Do They Help?

Yes—but only if they’re certified compostable bags like those approved by BPI or EN13432 standards.

Benefits of using compostable dog poop bags:

Break down without releasing microplastics.
Work well in both home and industrial composting (if permitted).
Offer a more eco-friendly pet waste disposal method than plastic bags.

However, even biodegradable pet waste bags won’t solve the pathogen problem unless composted under the right conditions.

What Should You Never Do with Pet Waste

Do not mix with food waste or compost intended for vegetables.
Do not flush pet poop unless using specially labeled flushable bags (and local laws permit).
Do not compost indoors due to odor and pathogen risks.

Alternatives to Composting Pet Waste

Not ready to compost? Here are effective pet waste disposal alternatives:

Flushing Pet Waste: Remove dog waste from compostable bags and flush down the toilet, if allowed by local sewer regulations. Not suitable for cat litter due to clogging risks.
Pet Waste Pickup Services: Companies like Poop 911 or Scoop Le Poop collect waste weekly ($10-20/week, varies by region). Ideal for pet waste composting for apartments or busy owners.
Municipal Pet Waste Programs: Cities like San Francisco offer curbside pet waste recycling. Check local programs for availability.
Biodegradable Dog Poop Bags: Use for landfill disposal if composting isn’t feasible. Look for non-compostable but degradable options (e.g., GreenPolly bags).
Dog Waste Septic Systems: In-ground systems like EnviroWagg process waste without composting, suitable for rural areas.
Eco-Friendly Cat Litter Disposal: Use biodegradable litters (corn, wheat-based) and dispose in green bins where accepted.

FAQ

Can cat litter be composted?

Only biodegradable litters (corn, wheat, pine) can be composted in dedicated pet waste composters. Avoid clay-based litters, which don’t decompose. Composting cat feces safely requires high heat to kill Toxoplasma gondii.

How long does pet waste take to compost?

With proper conditions (140°F, enzyme digesters), pet waste composts in 6-12 months. Cold climates or poor aeration may extend this to 18 months.

Can I use pet waste compost on vegetables?

No, due to pathogen risks. Use only on ornamental plants like flowers or shrubs.

Are compostable bags necessary?

Yes, only ASTM D6400 certified bags decompose fully in composters. Plastic bags contaminate the compost.

What if I don’t have a backyard?

Explore municipal pet waste programs, flushing (for dog waste), or portable tumblers like Pet Waste Wizard for pet waste composting without a yard.

What temperature should pet waste compost reach?

At least 55°C (131°F) to kill pathogens.

Conclusion

Composting pet waste is a practical, eco-friendly way to reduce pet waste pollution and landfill waste. With tools like Orizon compostable pet waste bags, pet owners can safely manage dog and cat waste at home. While pet waste composting regulations and safety concerns require attention, proper techniques ensure minimal health risks. For those unable to compost, alternatives like flushing pet waste, pet waste pickup services, or municipal pet waste programs offer green solutions.

Composting pet poop: is it safe? It can be, if you follow strict temperature control and use proper materials. For pet owners committed to sustainability, composting animal waste is a smart way to reduce landfill impact.

If home composting isn’t for you, opt for eco-friendly pet waste disposal like compostable dog poop bags, digesters, or local compost services.

Orizon Bio is a professional plant-based compostable poop bag manufacturer based in China. With over 16 years of production expertise, we provide OEM and wholesale biodegradable pet waste bags certified by BPI, EN13432, AS4736, and more.