Dogs are now a common household item in many households, but if you’re environmentally conscious and want to be sustainable, you may be wondering: Can dog poop be composted? Does pet poop break down like kitchen scraps or yard trimmings?
The answer is yes, dog poop can be composted, but it requires a specific environment, high temperature, and proper technology to eliminate harmful pathogens.
This article will detail the knowledge you need to know to safely and effectively compost dog poop, and I hope it will help you.
Is Dog Poop Compostable or Biodegradable?
Yes—dog poop is biodegradable, meaning it will eventually decompose in nature. However, decomposition can take months or even years in cold or dry climates, and meanwhile, the pathogens remain active.
To ensure it’s both biodegradable and safe, it needs to be treated through proper composting processes or municipal programs.
Biodegradable: Dog poop is organic matter and will naturally break down over time. However, that doesn’t mean it can be safely composted just about anywhere.
Compostable: This means dog poop can safely break down into nutrient-rich compost — but only if it’s handled properly, especially if it’s pet poop.
Unlike food or yard waste, dog poop carries parasites and bacteria that can be dangerous if not handled properly. Technically dog poop is compostable, but disposing of it isn’t as simple as throwing it in your backyard trash can.
Why Dog Poop Requires Special Composting
Because dog poop contains some harmful bacteria, including: E. coli, salmonella, roundworms and tapeworms, harmful parasites, etc., these pathogens cannot be killed in cold composting. In order for dog poop to decompose safely, your composting system must maintain a temperature above 140°F (60°C) for several days to kill bacteria and parasites.
Dog poop is not like cow or horse manure. Dogs are carnivores, and their waste is high in nitrogen and harmful microbes, which makes it unsuitable for raw garden compost.
What Makes Dog Poop Composting Different?
To safely compost dog feces, you need high-heat composting conditions (above 135°F or 57°C), which destroy pathogens. This is why most municipal composting programs don’t accept dog waste, and why it requires special handling at home.
The average backyard compost heap doesn’t get hot enough unless you’re intentionally managing it. This is where tools like hot compost bins, digester systems, or even Bokashi fermentation come in.
How to Compost Dog Poop Safely
1. Pet Waste Compost Bins
Specialized pet composters are designed to break down waste safely and contain odors. They’re usually installed in your yard and require minimal maintenance.
Tip: Add sawdust, leaves, or shredded newspaper to balance nitrogen-rich poop with carbon.
2. Hot Composting Systems
These systems use high heat (140–160°F / 60–71°C) to kill pathogens. It requires regular turning, moisture management, and temperature tracking.
Tools to prepare:
- A well-insulated bin
- A compost thermometer
- A balance of “green” and “brown” materials
3. Bokashi Composting
Bokashi is an anaerobic fermentation method using inoculated bran to break down waste—including dog poop—without odor. After fermenting, you can bury the material in soil.
4. Vermicomposting (Advanced)
Some advanced composters use worms to break down pet poop, but this is risky and requires strict control over input materials and worm health.
Dog Waste Composting Do’s and Don’ts
✅ DO:
- Use a dedicated bin for dog waste only.
- Keep it away from edible plants.
- Ensure compost hits 140°F+ to kill pathogens.
- Wear gloves and wash hands after handling compost.
- Let finished compost “cure” for at least 6–12 months.
❌ DON’T:
- Add dog poop to your regular food compost.
- Use the compost on vegetables, fruits, or herbs.
- Compost poop from sick or medicated dogs.
- Use bags labeled “biodegradable” unless certified compostable.
What About Compostable Dog Poop Bags?
Some poop bags are labeled “compostable” and are made of PLA, PBAT, or corn starch-based bioplastics. But most municipal or backyard systems can’t break them down properly.
Certified compostable bags (such as BPI certified) can only be used in industrial composting facilities, not backyard composts.
If you compost dog poop at home, remove the bag before composting unless you’re using a system certified to handle the material.
What to do if dog poop can’t be composted?
Flush It
In some cities, you can flush dog waste down the toilet (without the bag). This sends it to a wastewater treatment facility. Check local regulations first.
Compostable Bag + Trash
Use certified compostable bags, then dispose in the trash. While not perfect, it avoids plastic waste.
“Stick & Flick”
In rural areas or trails, use a stick to move poop off paths into the underbrush. This is not recommended near water sources or high-traffic areas.
Conclusion
Dog poop is technically biodegradable and can be composted—but only with care. If you’re eco-conscious and want to reduce your environmental impact, consider setting up a dedicated hot compost system or a pet waste digester.
Check with your local waste authority to find the most responsible disposal method. Whatever you do, don’t leave dog poop on the ground—it’s harmful to soil, water, and public health.
FAQ
Is dog poop biodegradable?
Yes, but it can still be harmful to the environment if not handled correctly.
Can dog poop be used as fertilizer?
Not directly. Compost made from dog poop should only be used on ornamental plants.
Is it better to compost or throw away dog poop?
Composting is more eco-friendly if done safely. If not, sealed disposal in trash is better than leaving it exposed.
Can I put dog poop in a compostable bag and throw it in the green bin?
Only if your local composting program accepts pet waste—most do not.
Can I use composted dog poop in my vegetable garden?
No. Only use composted dog poop on non-edible plants like trees, shrubs, or ornamental gardens.
Are all “biodegradable” bags safe for composting?
No. Only certified compostable bags should be considered for composting—and only in approved systems.
