Pet waste belongs in the trash, not on the ground. Pet waste contains twice as many bacteria per gram as human waste. In your yard, in our parks, in the dog park – wherever you are, pick up the poop and put it in the trash. Follow these tips to prevent pet waste from contaminating our streams:
Carry disposable bags and pick up after your pet, even on trails and in the woods. If you hire a dog walker to walk your dog, make sure they pick up after your pet when on their walk.
Properly dispose of pet waste by bagging the waste and depositing it a trash can or pet waste receptacle.
Do not throw bagged pet waste into storm drains or the woods, and do not leave it on the ground.
Be sure to pick up pet waste on your own property too. Anything washed away by the rain will end up in our streams.
Reuse bags that would have ended up in the trash to pick up after your pet. Ask co-workers, neighbors and friends to collect plastic bags used for bread, newspapers, bagels or produce. Not only will you be reusing bags, but you will save money by not having to buy pet waste bags or pay the 5-cent fee for bags at grocery stores.