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Roadside Guide to Clean Water: Proper Pet Waste Disposal

Pet owners have several choices for safely disposing of their pet waste. The simplest method is usually collecting it in a bag and tossing it in the trash.

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Updated:

April 29, 2025

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Photo by Jennifer Fetter

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Proper Pet Waste Disposal at a Glance

Proper pet waste disposal methods are meant to safely clean up after pets and prevent polluting local waterways. Pet owners have several choices for safely disposing of their pet waste. The simplest method is usually collecting wastes in a bag and tossing it in the trash. Many public parks have installed pet waste bag stations and trash cans. Biodegradable bags are available to make this more environmentally friendly. Some pet owners choose to flush their pet waste down the toilet. Caution should be used with this as kitty litter can clog pipes and some wastewater treatment facilities are opposed to this practice, so check with them first. Households with private septic systems should consider the capacity of their septic tank before adding this extra volume. Dog waste digesters and composting systems also exist. Because of the high risk of potential pathogens, use caution with these systems and keep them far away from your food and water supplies, including your well if you have one. Busy pet owners in large communities may have the option of hiring a pet waste collection business to remove their dog or cat waste.

How Proper Pet Waste Disposal Works

Pet waste may not seem connected to water quality until you realize there are over six million pet dogs and cats in Pennsylvania (based on pet ownership numbers from the American Veterinary Medical Association and US Census figures for Pennsylvania). Six million pets produce millions of pounds of poop every day! And because pet waste is filled with bacteria, viruses, and nutrients, it poses human and water quality health risks. Pet waste left on the ground can seep into groundwater or wash into local storm drains and streams where it can harm fish, promote weed and algae growth, and make the water unsafe for drinking and swimming. If you aren't picking up pet waste immediately, make sure you are cleaning your yard frequently to avoid piles being exposed to any rain or snow.