Being an eco-minded organization, we wish we could tell you to compost and re-use dog waste. However, all the current research confirms that PET WASTE IS NOT HEALTHY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. This includes lawns, gardens, compost piles, bushes, waterbodies, etc.
- Organisms living in pet waste can get you and your pets sick.
- Most compost piles do NOT get hot enough to kill harmful organisms.
- Future commercial composting technology may be sufficient to treat pet waste, enabling curbside pickup along with yard waste. Until then, disposing pet waste in the trash is the best option.
- In many places in Alachua County the groundwater is close to the surface or only protected by sandy soils that allow pollutants to quickly travel to our drinking water. Burying your pet waste or leaving it on the ground is NOT advised.