Having pets, especially dogs, often means dealing with pet waste. Many pet owners wonder about the best and most environmentally friendly ways to manage it. A common question that arises is: Can You Put Pet Waste In Compost? While traditional composting advice might say no, research suggests that with specific methods and precautions, composting pet waste is indeed possible and can be a sustainable solution for responsible pet ownership.
Is Composting Dog Waste Possible? Understanding the Basics
For years, standard composting guidelines have advised against adding dog manure to compost bins. This caution primarily stems from concerns about pathogens present in pet waste that could be harmful to humans. However, a study conducted in Alaska by mushers and the Fairbanks Soil and Water Conservation District has explored the composting of dog waste, revealing that it can be done safely under specific conditions.
The key to successfully composting dog waste lies in understanding that it requires a different approach than typical garden or kitchen waste composting. It’s not as simple as tossing dog poop into your regular compost pile. To achieve safe and effective results, you need to adhere to a specific recipe and ensure the compost reaches a high enough temperature to kill harmful pathogens.
Husky puppy, a source of pet waste that can be composted using a specific method.
The Dog Waste Compost Recipe: Getting Started
If you’re considering composting dog waste, following a precise recipe is crucial. This recipe emphasizes the importance of a carbon source to effectively break down the manure and reach the necessary temperatures for sanitization.
Ingredients:
- 2 parts dog manure
- 1 part sawdust (ensure it’s not from pressure-treated wood)
Instructions:
- Collect Ingredients: Gather dog waste and sawdust. It’s advisable to collect sufficient quantities before starting the composting process.
- Mix Thoroughly: Combine the dog manure and sawdust in the specified ratio. Mix them well to ensure even distribution of materials.
- Cook and Turn: Allow the mixture to compost, ensuring it reaches a temperature of at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius). Use a long-stemmed thermometer to monitor the temperature. Turn the compost pile at least once a week to aerate it and maintain consistent temperatures throughout.
- Time to Compost: The composting process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture becomes crumbly and dirt-like, indicating decomposition is complete.
Reaching and maintaining the “magic number” of 140°F is critical. This high temperature is essential for killing pathogens that may be present in dog waste, making the resulting compost safer to handle and use.
Where to Use Dog Waste Compost: Non-Food Plantings Only
Even when composted correctly and reaching high temperatures, there’s still a degree of caution advised regarding the use of dog waste compost. The Natural Resources Conservation Service highlights ongoing concerns about Toxicara canis, or large roundworms, which are among the most heat-resistant pathogens found in dog manure. While the Alaskan study didn’t encounter roundworm-infected samples due to effective parasite control among mushers, the survivability of roundworms through the composting process isn’t definitively established.
Therefore, to err on the side of caution, it is strongly recommended to only use dog waste compost on non-food plantings. Ideal applications include flower beds, shrubs, and ornamental gardens. Avoid using this compost in vegetable gardens or around fruit trees, where it could potentially contaminate food crops.
Lantana flowers, an example of non-food plants suitable for using dog waste compost.
Practice Safe Composting: Essential Precautions
Handling dog waste, even when composting, requires careful practices to minimize the risk of disease transmission. Always prioritize safety by following these precautions:
- Wash Hands Thoroughly: Always wash your hands with soap and water immediately after handling dog waste or the compost.
- Designated Area: Confine dog waste and the composting process to a specific, designated area in your yard, away from living spaces and play areas.
- Separate Tools and Clothing: Use separate tools and clothing specifically for handling dog waste and composting, and keep them isolated from other gardening or household items.
- Pet Health Management: Avoid feeding pets raw meat or fish, as this can increase the risk of parasites. Consult with a veterinarian for an appropriate parasite control program tailored to your region and pet’s needs.
- Child Safety: Exercise extra caution around children to ensure they do not come into contact with dog waste or the composting area.
- Sawdust Source: Only use sawdust from untreated wood. Never use sawdust from pressure-treated wood, as it contains chemicals that can be harmful.
- No Food Crops: At present, do not apply compost containing dog waste to food crops. Research is ongoing to determine if dog manure compost reaching 140°F or higher can eventually be deemed safe for vegetable gardens, but until conclusive studies are available, it’s best to avoid this use.
For enhanced containment and odor control, consider using a self-contained compost bin specifically designed for pet waste. These bins can help manage potential smells and keep animals away from the composting material.
Composting dog waste can be a responsible and sustainable way to manage pet waste, reducing landfill contributions and creating a useful soil amendment for non-edible plants. By following the recommended recipe, adhering to safety guidelines, and using the compost appropriately, you can effectively and safely compost pet waste at home.
