We all love being out and about with our dogs, but one thing we don't like is picking up after them. As dog owners, it may seem like a small price to pay for all that fun we have together, but in reality our little habit helps keep public health safe by cleaning up any messes they make! 

We get it, cleaning up Dog faeces is no fun! But we’re here to help clear things up (no pun intended) so you can go back outside and not worry about how best handle your dog's poop situation any more — because we've got this covered for you! 

What type of material is your bag?

The type of bag you have for your dog's poos can determine where it should go. Degradable and biodegradable bags will break down in the environment over time, while compostable ones just get sent back into nature when disposed of by humans. But how do you tell the difference?

Degradable

Degradable bags are made from plastic and will break down into damaging microplastics over time. These include EPI and OXO-Degradable plastics. Responsible companies have moved away from OXO-Degradable plastic bags as they are extremely damaging to the environment. Tuff Pets will never use EPI or OXO-Degradable plastics in our products.

Biodegradable

Our Biodegradable bags are usually made with a mix of cornstarch and plastic and will biodegrade in landfill after around 18 months leaving no microplastic behind.

Compostable

Our Compostable bags are certified with EN13432 and OK Compost HOME and are made from PBAT and Cornstarch. They will completely degrade within 90 days, leaving only co2 and water when placed in a composting environment.

So, how can you tell the difference between degradable, biodegradable and compostable bags? Look for the certification labels. Home Compostable bags will have either the EN13432 or OK Compost HOME certification label on them.

Composting

Composting dog poop is often seen as a magical process, but it's really just a matter of science. When organic waste, like dog poop, decomposes, it breaks down into simpler molecules that can be used as food by plants. 

The process of composting happens when bacteria and other organisms break down the dog poop. In order to speed up the composting process, you need to provide the bacteria with the right conditions: oxygen, moisture, and warmth. 

Oxygen helps the bacteria to breathe and break down the dog poop more quickly. Moisture keeps the dog poop from drying out, which would make it harder for the bacteria to break it down. And warmth helps the bacteria to stay active and productive. By creating these ideal conditions, you can make compost dog poop in just a few weeks!

1. Collect dog poop in a designated spot in your yard.

2. Add a layer of brown material (leaves, straw, wood chips) to the bottom of your pile. This will help absorb moisture and keep the pile aerated.

3. Add a layer of green material (grass clippings, kitchen scraps).

4. Sprinkle a thin layer of soil over the top of your compost pile.

5. Add the dog poop to the centre of the pile.

6. Cover the pile with a dark sheet of non-absorbent material or compost lid. This locks in the heat and helps kill the bacteria.

7. Turn your compost on a weekly basis and check with a thermometer. Your compost must reach a temperature of 73ºC for at least 5 days, to kill the bacteria.

8. After roughly four to six weeks, you’re now ready to start using your composted dog poop for non-edible plants. By following these simple steps, you can turn your dog’s poop into natural plant food

Bins

Can I put dog poo in my wheelie bin in the UK? Yes, disposing of dog waste at home is fine! Just make sure you choose a strong, reliable dog poop bag. 

A good dog poop bag should be leak-proof, tear-resistant, and thick enough to prevent any nasty surprises. Tie the bag up securely so there's no risk of anything escaping. And finally, put the sealed bag in an outside bin. By following these simple steps, you can rest assured that your dog's poop will be disposed of safely and hygienically - without any nasty surprises!

With so many dog poop bags on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose. But if you keep these factors in mind, you'll be sure to find the perfect poo bag for your pup.

What to do while out dog walking

There are designated dog waste bins in most parks around the UK.  If you’re cut short, some councils hand out dog poo bags for free, or you can buy them from our store.

Once you have picked up your dog's mess, make sure to tie the bag securely and dispose of it in a regular rubbish bin.

If there are no such bins available, put the dog poop in general waste. NEVER flick or fling the dog poop – always pick it up!

Worming

If you have decided to use a wormery to dispose of your dog's poop, the following are some easy instructions on how to do so:

1. Buy or build a wormery. Wormeries can be bought online or at many gardening stores. If you want to build your own, there are plenty of online resources that can show you how.

2. Collect dog faeces and place it in the wormery. Be sure to bury it beneath the soil and add some bedding such as shredded paper or cardboard.

3. Add worms to the wormery. You can purchase earthworms or compost worms from most pet stores or garden centres.

4. Let the worms do their job! In a few weeks, the dog faeces will have been broken down and turned into useful compost for your garden.

Septic Tank

Canine waste disposal systems are becoming an increasingly popular way to deal with dog waste. Here's how they work: dog poop is collected in a tank, and then anaerobic bacteria break down the poop, creating a liquid that is stored in a second chamber. This liquid can then be used to irrigate lawns or gardens. The dog poop septic tank is a great way to deal with dog waste in an environmentally-friendly way. Plus, save on plastic waste!

What not to do

Flicking or flinging 

For one, it takes ages for them to degrade as it’s not the right conditions for the bags. In some cases, it may never fully degrade! This can create a big mess and be very unsightly. Not to mention, it’s not good for the environment. Flicking poo bags in a bush can also contaminate water sources, which can be harmful to both people and animals. So please don’t do it – there are plenty of other ways to dispose of dog poo safely and responsibly.

Hanging Bags in Trees

Nobody wants to see or smell your poo bags. Not to mention it's bad for the environment. The plastic doesn't biodegrade, and whether people leave them there thinking someone else will pick it up I don't know. But either way, it's not good for the environment. So please don't hang your poo bags in trees.

Burning

The odour created by the burning process is often considered a statutory nuisance. Secondly, the act of burning can release harmful air pollutants into the atmosphere. And finally, there are more environmentally friendly ways to dispose of your dog's waste - such as composting. So if you're looking for a responsible and eco-friendly way to get rid of your pet's waste, avoid burning it and choose a more sustainable option instead.

Flushing

Flushing dog waste down the toilet may seem like the easiest option, but it can cause some serious problems like clogged pipes! There are plenty of alternatives to flushing poop bags, so there really is no need to take the risk. Composting or using a worm farm are both easy and environmentally friendly ways to dispose of your pet's waste.

Just leave it in the yard

Dog poop can cause an environmental hazard if left to decompose into the ground. Always pick up your dog's poop, even if it's somewhere out of the way in your own yard. In certain countries there are even services that will do this for you. Check out Pet Butler reviews for one example.

Reminder that dog poo is dangerous

Dog poop is not only unsightly and unpleasant, but it can also be dangerous. It can spread diseases such as parvovirus, hookworm and roundworm, and can also contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Dog poo can also attract vermin such as rats and cockroaches, which can spread other diseases to humans and other animals if not cleaned up properly. If you have a dog, be sure to clean up after them properly to avoid any of these dangers!

FAQ

Can you put Dog Poo in the wheelie bin?

In the UK this is the most common way to get rid of dog poo. If you use a dog poo bag bin at a park it will end up at the same landfill as your black bin for most councils. 

Is dog poop recyclable? Can you put Dog Poo in the recycle bin?

No, Don’t put used dog poo bags in the recycle bin. It will contaminate the rest of the recycling and likely means your recycling will end up in landfill. The standard choice for pet waste disposal.

Can you put Dog Poo in garden waste?

It’s best to check with your council if dog poo is accepted with compostable bags. Degradable and biodegradable bags will not be accepted in garden waste. 

Do you have to use a separate dog poo bin on a walk?

No, the waste will likely end up in the same place. But, councils have the dog poo bins for a reason to reduce the amount of dog poo bags in the general waste bins so while it doesn’t really matter it’s better to use them when possible. 

Does dog poo make good fertiliser? Is dog poop good fertilizer? Is Dog poop compostable?

Yes, composting pet waste is possible & makes good fertiliser, but only for non-edible plants - unlike cow manure which can be used to feed edible plants. 

For more like this, check out our blog about "How often should my dog poop?"