It Happens: Practical (and Creative) Ways to Deal with Dog Poop

It happens. Literally every day. Multiple times a day, even.

And as responsible dog owners, we know we have to deal with it. And yet, somehow, we still get grossed out talking about it.

What do we do with all that dog poop? Hopefully, we’re at the point where we know we have to pick it up (you are cleaning up after your dogs, right???). But then what do you do with it?

Quick Look: Smart Ways to Handle Dog Poop

• At Home: Sealed bins, mini septic systems, and even flushing

• On the Go: Plastic, paper, or compostable bags — and clever carrying tools

• Eco-Friendly Ideas: Compost (safely), reuse where possible, or hire a pick-up service

• My Method: I flush and (brace yourself) reuse the bags when possible

Finding the Right Poop Strategy for Your Real Life

When I got my first dog as an adult, I lived in a dog-friendly apartment complex. Well-maintained dog stations were scattered throughout the complex, and I never had to walk more than a few minutes before I could rid myself of a poop bag and forget it ever existed.

Then I moved to a house with weekly trash pickup…and realized just how much poop one 50-pound dog could produce. By the end of the week, my trash can was a horror show, and I was frantically googling “dog poop disposal systems.” Turns out, there are a lot of different ways to tackle poop.

As with so many things in life, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. There are as many solutions as there are situations — take a look at the list below and see which one could work for you.

At-Home Systems

• Outdoor sealed trash can: Dedicate a bin with a tight lid and a liner bag for pet waste. Odor can still be an issue, especially in warm weather, but placing the trash can in the shade or sprinkling charcoal or baking soda may help.

• DIY waste station: Repurpose an old lidded 5-gallon bucket, cooler, or cat-litter pail as an outdoor drop zone, and add a liner bag to make clean-up easier. This solution has similar pros and cons to the sealed trash can method, with the bonus of reusing a container you already have.

• Bury it: Have a shovel, space, and energy? Bury your dog’s poop at least 12 inches deep and cover with 8 inches of soil. You’ll want to rotate spots and avoid vegetable gardens.

• Dog waste digester (mini septic tank): If digging multiple holes sounds annoying, this solution lets you dig just one hole. Add water and enzymes to help waste break down safely underground. This works best with the right soil (hard clay can be a no-go) and in temperate climates.

• Flush it: If you’re on a sewer system and your municipality allows it, flushing poop down the toilet is low-effort and surprisingly eco-friendly. Just don’t overload the toilet, and avoid this option if you’re on septic unless you’ve confirmed it’s safe for you.

• Sewer clean-out attachment: This product attaches directly to your home’s wastewater drain clean-out. Just toss in your pet’s waste and flush with water. But, as with flushing poop in your toilet, do not use this with a septic system until you’ve confirmed it is safe.

• Dedicated composting: Composting pet waste can be dangerous and difficult. Due to potential disease risks, it requires high temperatures for long time periods — something that most of us cannot accomplish at home. If done correctly, though, you can transform pet waste into nutrient-dense soil for use on ornamental plants (nothing edible). Worm composting is another niche option.

• Pet waste pickup services: Too busy to handle the mess? You can always hire someone. Companies will come collect poop and dispose of it for you, and some even compost what they collect.

On-the-Go Options

• Plastic bag: The classic method. Specialty poop bags or repurposed grocery bags work; just dispose of them in the proper bin.

• Biodegradable or compostable bags: Want to reduce your reliance on single-use plastics? Biodegradable or compostable bags offer a slightly more expensive alternative to plastics, but they can be pricier and often don’t break down well in landfills.

• Paper bags: If you’re looking for a plastic-free alternative, some companies make poop bags made entirely from wood pulp. Handy for smaller dogs or shorter walks, these may not be practical for larger breeds or longer adventures. They are also significantly more expensive than other options.

• Flushable bags: Some companies offer bags made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) designed to soften upon contact with the water in your toilet, making them flushable. But you may want to check with your plumber first before finding out the hard way that your system can’t handle the bags.

• Poop bag carriers and holders: If the idea (and smell!) of carrying around a used poop bag is too much for you, look for clips, canisters, or sealable bags to stow your used poop bags while you continue your walk without embarrassment…or gagging.

Why Poop Matters (Besides the Smell Factor)

No matter which method you choose, dog poop is more than just a nuisance. Sure, you’ve got the smell, the flies, and that sinking feeling when you realize you’ve stepped in poop and tracked it across your new area run. But there are broader impacts.

Left on the ground, dog waste can spread disease, run into waterways, and contribute to bacterial pollution and excess algae growth. Yikes.

Even when we bag it, most bags (even compostable ones) don’t break down well in landfills. The result? Slower decomposition and higher levels of the greenhouse gas methane.

My Slightly Controversial but Effective Method

For me, convenience and environmental impact matter. I’d love to try the dog waste digester or sewer clean-out attachments, but they aren’t practical for my situation. So I rely on…the toilet.

🐾 People cringe when I tell them I flush my dog’s poop, but that’s exactly what our wastewater systems were built for. Municipal treatment plants already process human waste safely and efficiently, so adding dog waste to the system keeps it out of landfills and our local waterways. It’s not that weird, I swear.🐾

I collect my dog’s poop, then flush it right down the toilet. Here’s the controversial part: I reuse my poop bags. I can hear the collective gasp, but it works for me.

I watch out for any holes and make sure the top of the bag stays clear of any smears. After emptying a bag, I tie it off and clip it to the leash for the next walk. Sometimes a bag lasts one walk, sometimes a whole week.

The Takeaway

The key is to pick a system that works for you. Each option has trade-offs in cost, convenience, and environmental impact. Whatever works for you, I wish you good luck!

Have a weird-but-effective dog poop hack? Share it in the comments. We promise we won't judge (much).

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Want more practical dog owner tips? This blog on pet insurance makes a great follow-on read.