Dog owners must do their part in maintaining a clean and safe outdoor space for everyone. This starts by picking up any waste left by their pet and dispose of it in suitable dog waste dispensers or public bins.
Finding a container suitable for cleaning a dog’s mess isn’t an issue anymore. Shops are selling them in various sizes, shapes, patterns, made from different materials.
The best dog poop bags are the ones that are easy to use and do not alter the quality of the natural environment. If not long ago, the only material for these bags was plastic; nowadays, there are much more eco-friendly made products:
- Biodegradable dog poop bags
- Compostable bags – these containers have a smaller impact on nature when taken to decompose in a controlled ambient at a composting plant.
- Oxo-biodegradable – made with chemical additives that will start breaking down the plastic into tiny particles
- Bags made with petroleum are biodegradable; however, a safer bet is buying the ones with vegetable oils instead of petroleum-based ones.
- Cornstarch-based bags – They are more expensive but the most eco-friendly option. When these break down, the tiny parts can be consumed by microorganisms, leaving no harmful residue in their wake.
- Compostable paper bags – the paper is similar to the one used to store food to avoid leaking.
Of course, dog owners can compare prices when choosing the best option for themselves. Another important aspect is how easy to handle are these bags.
The most convenient choice: easy to handle and well priced is the dog poop and tie bag. Just pick, close the smelly waste and attach it to a dispenser before making your way to the nearest suitable bin.
How to dispose of dog poop bags
Dog scooped poop is usually disposed of in the garbage or dog waste bins found outdoors and then finishes up in a landfill.
Depending on the local council, the pet waste might end up being incinerated.
It is important to make sure that your dog doesn’t leave any waste close to water or a drain. The bacteria and possible parasites inhabiting the gut can affect the water flow and infect other pets and even people.
Compostable dog poop bags should only be used in gardens with flowers or grass as the vegetable patches could become biohazards due to the pet waste bacteria.
What happens if you don’t clean up dog poop?
Dog waste can take up over a year to completely break down. If left on the soil, when rainwater washes over it, it flows into the drainage systems. Then the contaminated water is carried into lakes, streams, and rivers.
The parasites and bacteria contained by pet poop can spread diseases like E.coli and salmonella as they can remain in the soil for a prolonged period. By carelessly leaving their dog’s waste wherever it was dumped, pet owners increase the risk of contamination for other pets and children playing outdoors.
When you clean up after your dog, you show common courtesy to other dog owners, the local community, and the environment.