What Should You Do With Your Dog’s Poop?

When you weigh the reasons to adopt a dog, there are lots of pros: cuddles, kisses, an exercise buddy, and so much more. But number one on the list of cons? Picking up poop. And while it might seem simple to deal with — just pick it up, and toss it in the trash, right? — there’s actually some stuff you should know when it comes to the disposal of your pet’s poo. 

Why should you pick up your dog’s poop?

While you may think, “It’s my yard — I don’t need to pick up my dog’s poop,” or, “Animal poop just breaks down naturally,” you may need to think again. Leaving dog waste in the yard is generally a bad idea for a few reasons.

Dog poop is different from wild-animal waste

It’s full of nutrients and minerals formulated for your dog’s health, but whatever they don’t absorb through digestion is passed into the environment. This typically means a high amount of nitrogen, which can disrupt surrounding ecosystems. It can also spread harmful bacteria and parasites into surrounding areas, affecting all kinds of wildlife.

Note: If your dog is eating poop from the yard, check out our tips on how to get dogs to stop eating poop.

Consider legal obligations and social etiquette

Many cities and counties have ordinances related to dog poop removal, which can result in fines if not followed. Tossing poop into non-specified trash cans or leaving it in your yard can violate local laws. And on the social side, we all know how quickly a pile of dog poop can ruin someone’s day. Being a considerate pet parent means being mindful of how your pet’s waste may affect others, too.

In this guide, we’ll go over more than just the basics. We’ll cover all the acceptable methods for disposing of your dog’s waste (including eco-conscious options). You’ll also learn about some tools to make cleanup easier.

koganami studio / Stocksy/

What should you do with dog poop?

So, what can you do with dog poop? There is no one-size-fits-all solution to dog poop removal or disposal. You may have different options available to you depending on where you live, if you have a yard, your local laws, and your comfort level with various tools. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ways to dispose of dog waste.

Throw it in the trash

The most practical option: Simply scoop up the poop, or pick it up with a bag, and toss it in a garbage bin. Here are some pro tips for tossing dog waste effectively. 

• Use the right bags: Always use a durable poop bag, and don’t be afraid to double bag if you’re dealing with a messy situation.

• Keep it outside: If you have an outdoor trash can, be sure to toss poop there because it can get quite smelly if disposed of indoors. Just make sure you’re throwing small bags in a location where they’ll be picked up or dumped correctly. If you have a curbside rolling cart, poop bags might need to be placed inside a larger trash bag.

• Use your own can or bin: It’s often against the law to use other people’s trash bins for waste disposal. Even if you’re passing a large apartment complex on a walk, it’s best to hold onto the bag until you get home.

Flush it down the toilet

If you’ve wondered if you can put dog poop in the toilet — the answer is yes. Some municipalities allow residents to flush dog poop. This method is more environmentally friendly than throwing it in the trash, and definitely better than leaving it in the yard. Just keep in mind the following. 

• You can’t flush the bag. Even if it says “flushable,” it can still clog your pipes.

• Don’t flush pet waste if you use a septic system.

• Check with your local water authority to see if flushing pet waste is permitted. 

Bury it in the yard 

Burying your dog’s poop might seem like a natural, eco-friendly solution — but it should only be done in a contained system like a dog-waste station for backyards. Simply digging a hole and covering it up with dirt can lead to issues such as contamination and the spreading of bacteria or parasites. 

If you decide to install a digester or underground burial system, be sure to consider the following. 

• Keep it away from vegetable gardens, water sources, or high-traffic areas.

• Make sure it’s designed for aerobic breakdown with safe drainage.

• Never bury poop in plastic bags or other non-biodegradable materials.

Again, without an approved underground waste-management system, this method should not be used. 

Compost it 

You may have heard that you can’t compost dog poop, but it turns out you can under the right conditions. Although you cannot just toss it into your regular compost pile, you can set up a pet waste composting system. 

Just be sure to do the following.

• Maintain a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher to kill harmful pathogens. 

• Keep it separate from any compost used for edible plants. 

Check out this complete guide on composting dog waste. 

Biodegradable vs. compostable bags

If you’ve ever stood in the pet store staring at rows of “earth-friendly” poop bags, you’re not alone. Labels such as  “biodegradable” and “compostable” can sound similar, but they’re actually different things. 

Biodegradable bags: These are designed to break down eventually, but they typically still end up in landfills, where they may take years or even decades to degrade. Some of these bags may even release microplastics into the environment. 

Compostable bags: In contrast, these are made to fully decompose into nontoxic materials under the right conditions. You’ll need a dedicated dog-waste composting pile or a commercial composting facility for this to work. 

• Look for bags with certifications such as ASTM D6400 or BPI-certified compostable 

• Be wary of terms such as “eco-friendly” or “oxo-biodegradable,” which can be misleading.

• Keep in mind that tossing compostable bags in the trash negates 

The bottom line is, compostable bags can be part of a sustainable routine. But any sturdy bag is a responsible choice. 

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even with the best intentions, every dog parent will make a few mistakes. Here are the most common ones.

Leaving poop in the yard too long

When dog poop builds up in the yard, it can attract pests and spread parasites. It can even burn your lawn. And we don’t have to tell you about the smell. To help you remember to attend to your lawn, try setting a daily timer or adding “poop scooping” to your chore calendar.

If you need tips on how to get rid of dog poop smell from your yard, start with cleaning up the actual poop. From there, you can deodorize with baking soda or try an outdoor enzyme cleaner made for animal waste smells.

Using the wrong tools

If you’re only using flimsy bags or a tiny poop scooper, you may want to improve your gear to make your job more efficient and effective. Try investing in a dog waste station at home. Purchase a quality dog poop scoop rake, and be sure to grab the sturdiest poop bags at the pet store.

Monkey Business / Adobe Stock/

Managing dog poop at home

Dealing with dog poop isn’t the most exciting part of being a pet parent, but it’s one of the most important. Staying on top of cleanup protects your health, your yard, and your community. It likewise helps your dog stay comfortable and safe in their environment.

Whether you’re tossing it in the trash, composting it, or considering a pet waste digester, the key is finding a routine that works for your space and schedule. Investing in the right tools, like a pooper scooper or a backyard dog-waste station, can make the job faster, cleaner, and way less frustrating.

If you’re short on time or managing waste feels overwhelming, you’re not alone — many pet parents use local poop pickup services to stay on top of things. No matter how you manage it, being prepared shows your commitment to your dog, your neighborhood, and the planet. Get tips for housetraining a dog to get you off on the right foot.

Commonly asked questions

How do you dispose of dog poo at home?

Most commonly, pet parents simply bag their dog’s waste and throw it in the trash. Depending on your locality, you may also be able to flush it, bury it in an underground system, or even compost it.

What is the best natural way to dispose of dog poop?

If you’re looking for a lower-impact method, composting dog poop in its own dedicated compost system (and not your regular garden compost) is a good option. These systems need to reach high heat and should only be used to fertilize non-food plants. Underground dog-waste digesters are also considered a natural method since they use enzymes and soil microbes to break down waste underground.

Is it safe to flush dog poop down the toilet?

It depends. If you use a city sewer system and your municipality allows it, then yes. But if you have a septic system, disposing of dog waste down the toilet is not a good idea.

How can we dispose of dog poop when living in an apartment?

For apartment dwellers, your best bet is to scoop the poop with a bag during walks and throw it away in a designated pet-waste bin or your own trash. A leash clip-on bag dispenser helps make sure you’re always prepared. Avoid leaving waste in public areas or using someone else’s bin without permission. This can create tension between neighbors and may be against local rules. It can also spread bacteria and parasites between pups. 

How do I get dog poo from the yard to the toilet?

Use a pooper scooper or a bag to transport dog poop from the yard to flush it — just be sure not to flush the bag itself. You should only flush dog poop if you’re on a municipal sewer system that allows it, and never with a septic system. 

Is disposing of bagged dog poop in neighborhood garbage okay?

Disposing of bagged dog poop in neighborhood garbage bins depends on local laws and the trash-can owner’s permission. Some areas allow pet parents to use public trash bins along trails or in parks, but using a neighbor’s bin without asking can create tension — or even violate local ordinances. When in doubt, carry your bagged dog poop home or look for bins marked specifically for dog waste. Some even have dog waste-bag dispensers in case you forgot your poop bags.

Can dog poop go in a compost bin?

Dog poop can go in a compost bin only if it’s made specifically for pet waste. Traditional compost bins don’t reach the temperatures needed to kill pathogens found in dog poop. A dedicated pet-waste composter can safely break it down for use on ornamental plants, but never use dog poop compost in food gardens.

References

Guest. “Wildlife Poop versus Dog Poop: Explained.” Leave No Trace, 27 Aug. 2017, lnt.org/wildlife-poop-versus-dog-poop-explained.

“Pet Waste Disposal Systems Help Protect Water Quality.” Usda.gov, 10 Jan. 2025, www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/blog/pet-waste-disposal-systems-help-protect-water-quality.