If you’re a responsible dog owner who also cares about planet earth, then you’re probably already aware that plastic dog poop bags are a no-no when it comes to disposing of your dog’s waste. If you’ve taken the trouble to look out for biodegradable poop bags, and are then placing them in a waste bin, then you probably feel like you’re doing your bit. Unfortunately, we’re here to expose the truth behind the biodegradable label and why this may not actually be eco as it sounds. Read on and we’ll explain why.
Biodegradable Poop Bags
These bags are made from a type of plastic which has added chemicals in order to help them break down more easily when exposed to air and light. The issue here is that they will only break down where light, heat and, crucially, oxygen is present. Because of this, any biodegradable bag that ends up in landfill will never decompose. The other issue is that due to the added chemicals, biodegradable plastic cannot be used for recycling.
How Long Do Biodegradable Dog Poop Bags Take to Biodegrade?
If the conditions are correct, then a biodegradable dog poop bag will still take between 3-5 years to break down. Some bags that claim to be biodegradable will never fully decompose, and will instead leave microplastics which eventually find their way into our rivers and, ultimately, our oceans.
Compostable Dog Poop Bags
These bags are made from so-called “bioplastic” and are usually made from plant-derived materials such as cornstarch, sugar cane or wheat. They should break down naturally and can be composted (given the right conditions).
Are Compostable Dog Poop Bags Really Compostable?
Yes is the answer, but only under the right conditions. Some bags would need to be disposed of in an industrial composter where the temperature is higher. If you want to compost at home, then look for bags with the home compostable logo – TUV home – which means the bag has been certified to be able to be composted in a domestic compost heap or bin where the temperature will be sub 30 degrees.
It’s important to note that compostable bags should not be disposed of in regular rubbish bins as they will end up in landfill and therefore, again, not decompose. If you don’t have the ability to home compost, then check with your Local Authority whether they do industrial composting for animal waste and how you would go about accessing this.
What is the Most Environmentally-Friendly Way to Dispose of Dog Poop?
If you have the ability to home compost then the most environmentally-friendly way to dispose of your dog’s waste is to use a certified, compostable dog poop bag and take it home to compost. Dog poop should not be made into compost for edible plants – only ornamental ones.
If you’re lucky enough to live in Malvern, then you could even take advantage of the world’s first dog-poo powered biogas street lamp, where paper bags are used for dog waste collection and transformed into street lighting. This ingenious scheme leaves no waste at all and also helps to light up the town.
How Shouldn’t You Dispose of Dog Poop?
Is there another way to get rid of your dog’s waste you may be asking? Let’s look at some of the most common questions:
- Is it OK to Bury Dog Poop in Your Backyard?
No, there are many toxins in dog poop which can contaminate the soil, and which can be flushed into our water sources, proving harmful to human health.
- Can You Flush Biodegradable Dog Poop Bags?
Dog waste should not be flushed down the toilet as our water treatment processes cannot eliminate the harmful bacteria which can cause campylobacter, tapeworm, hookworm, roundworm, giardia and E.coli, and more rarely, even salmonella.
- Can You Put Biodegradable Poop Bags in a Green Bin?
No. Dog waste shouldnt be mixed with organic waste that will be used for fertilising human food.
Can I Flick Dog Poop When Out in the Countryside?
No. Again, the harmful bacteria present in dog faeces can be dangerous to other animals.
So, What Poop Bags Should I Buy?
Look for truly compostable dog poop bags that come in recyclable packaging. If you buy in bulk, then you‘ll also cut down your carbon footprint with fewer transport costs.
Avoid plastic poop bags and only buy biodegradable plastic bags if you know how you can dispose of them effectively. Remember, if they go in the regular rubbish bins at home or in public, then they’ll end up in landfill and never break down. Even the Bio-Based and Biodegradable Industries Association acknowledge the difficulties in ascertaining whether a biodegradable product is truly so.
Do’s and Don’ts of Disposing of Dog Waste
Do
Use home compostable poop bags if you can compost at home
Check with LA if they take dog waste to industrially compost
Use biodegradable poop bags and place in bespoke bins if no ability to compost at home or locally.
Don’t
Use home compostable poop bags if you can compost at home
Flush any dog poop down the loo.
Place compostable dog poop bags in organic food or garden waste bins.
Flick dog poop when in a rural area.
In Conclusion
Trying to be green is always a bit of a minefield, however hopefully we’ve helped clear up the issues regarding when a poop bag is eco-friendly (or not) so that you can feel as confident as possible that you‘re doing your best to protect Mother Earth.
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