Composting pet waste is a controversial issue due to the many pathogens carried in animal waste. When cat and dog waste is composted correctly it can make nutrient rich soil that works wonder for your ornamental garden and lawn. This article outlines all the ways to compost pet waste from traditional methods to bokashi compost and septic options.
Can you compost pet waste?
Yes! You can compost pet waste.
It’s often said that pet waste can’t be composted because it has the potential to carry pathogens. However, when done correctly and brought to the right temperature to kill pathogens, pet waste can be composted.
Dogs in America produce over 10 million tons of poop each year! Instead of sending it to the landfill, learn how to compost it instead!
Benefits to composting your pet waste
There are several environmental consequences with the traditional methods of pet waste disposal.
Leaving pet waste in your yard is not a safe option because dangerous organisms and parasites can enter ground water and travel to large aquifers. The same issue occurs when you bury pet waste.
Most people bag their pet’s waste and toss it in the trash where it eventually goes to a landfill. There it is buried in an air tight container where it gives out methane, a greenhouse gas 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
Pet waste doesn’t have to go to a landfill. Done correctly, it can be recycled into dirt and kept out of a landfill.
WaTCH YOUR TEMPERATURE
All compost carries the risk of disease, which is why temperature is so important. Compost should get to a temperature between 135 and 170 degrees F for several days in order to kill all pathogens. Because pet waste may carry pathogens, it is imperative to properly heat pet waste when composting. The composting temperature should reach a minimum of 145 degree F for 2-3 days in a row before cooling down.
Separation is key
You do not want to mix poop with food. Repeat. Do not mix poop with food. Animal waste and food waste should always go in separate compost bins or piles.
Use compost from pet waste properly
Roundworm eggs are fairly heat resistant. Even if you compost your pet waste correctly, there is a chance that the roundworm eggs will survive. It’s best to play it safe and keep all pet waste compost on your ornamental plants instead of your edible garden.
How to compost dog poop
Composting dog poop is pretty simple. All you need is dog waste and sawdust.
How to compost dog poop:
- Pick a container for composting– a pile isn’t ideal because the waste will enter the groundwater
- Use a 2:1 ratio of dog waste to sawdust
- Mix
- Cover
- “Cook” 6-8 weeks
- Must reach 145 degrees for 3 days in a row to be considered safe
- “Cure” the compost for 6 months to a year in order to make sure all pathogens are dead
Tips for composting dog poop:
- Only compost poop from healthy dogs that are up to date on medications and vaccinations- a worming schedule is imperative
- Use a traditional tumbler or make your own out of a trash can.
The USDA has a complete guide to composting dog poop. You can get all the details here.
How to compost CAt Poop
Composting cat poop is pretty similar to composting dog poop. The steps are the same, but there are some things you need to know.
First, traditional kitty litter can not be composted. It contains clay and many chemical additives. The first step is to switch to biodegradable litter.
Types of Biodegradable Litters:
How to compost cat poop:
- Switch to biodegradable litter
- Use a 2:1 ratio of cat waste to sawdust (litter can be used instead of sawdust)
- Mix
- cover
- “cook” 6-8 weeks
- Must reach 145 degrees for 3 days in a row to be considered safe
- “Cure” the compost for 6 months to a year in order to make sure all pathogens are dead
Toxoplasmosis and cat poop:
Only compost waste from cats that have never hunted outside.
Toxoplasmosis is one of the world’s most common parasites and it can be transmitted by eating raw meat and handling feces from infected cats.
The parasite is transferred to cats when they eat infected rodents and birds. If your cat has never eaten a rodent or bird, and is on a regular vaccination schedule, then you can be sure that your compost is relatively safe. There is no point to compost from an outdoor cat unless you are completely comfortable exposing yourself to toxoplasmosis.
Bokashi composting pet waste
Bokashi composting is the Japanese method of fermenting waste to kill pathogens and then burying it.
You can easily compost pet waste with the bokashi method.
How to compost pet waste with the bokashi method
- Buy a bokashi system
- Add pet waste to bin
- Cover with bokashi bran
- Repeat until bin is full
- Keep covered for 2 weeks
- Burry waste or add it to a traditional compost pile where worms can finish it
best electric Composter for pet waste
The bioCOMpet Home Pet Waste System is the only electric composter for pet waste that we recommend.
It processes 5 pounds of pet waste (and biodegradable litter) a day.
It’s a great deal anytime you can find it under $350. Check the current Amazon price here.
Septic Systems for Pet Waste
An alternative to composting is to purchase a septic system just for pet waste.
These septic systems cost as little as $30 and when the waste is treated correctly, they are extremely eco-friendly options. The waste is dropped into the septic system, treatment fluid is added and the waste enters the ground water safely.
Shop the most popular septic systems for pets here.
What you need to compost pet waste?
Composting pet waste is easy with these products.
compost tumbler
A compost tumbler is important because it keeps the waste from entering the groundwater. All pathogens are confined to the tumbler.
Electric Composter
Don’t want to manage the pet waste yourself? The Bio ComPet Home Composter processes up to 5 pounds of pet waste a day.
Biodegradable Kitty litter
In order to compost your cat poop, litter must also be biodegradable. Click the link below to shop the best biodegradable kittle litter products on the market.
compost thermometer
Compost much reach a temperature of 145 degrees F in order to kill all pathogens found in pet waste. A compost thermometer will help you monitor the temperature.
Safety facts for composting pet waste
Composting pet waste is definitely achievable, but it comes with risks.
The main risk is that you are knowingly putting yourself in contact with pathogens from feces.
Follow these tips to safely compost pet waste:
- Keep your pets on a regular vaccination schedule
- Wear gloves when handling pet waste and coming in contact with unfinished compost
- Use a long stem thermometer to verify that compost reaches 145 degrees F for 3 days in a row
- Cure compost (let sit) for 3 months to a year before using on plants
- Don’t use finished compost on edible plants
