Dogs have always been a hugely popular pet but now more people than ever have a four-legged friend living with them. Dogs have to poop just like humans and dog owners are responsible for cleaning this up and disposing of it responsibly. If dog poop is not cleared away, it is not just unsightly! It leads to unpleasant odors, it attracts vermin and it can spread diseases to humans and animals that come into contact with it. This is why, as a responsible dog owner, you need a dog waste disposal system to clear up effectively after your dog.
This starts by picking up the poop from the sidewalk, the park, or from your own garden. But that is not the end of it. If you put it in your trash can, it can lead to foul odors escaping. There are over 43 million dogs living in the in the US which creates 10 million tons of waste that needs to be dealt with. The best dog waste disposal systems will hygienically deal with the waste and prevent it from becoming a problem for human health or the environment.
The Best Dog Waste Disposal Systems
Our best choice dog waste disposal system is the Doggie Dooley 3000 Septic-Tank-Style Pet-Waste Disposal System. Its dimensions are 13-3/4 inches diameter by 15 inches long and it is made from durable galvanised steel. It is the environmentally safe way to dispose of pet waste and is large enough for households that have two large dogs or four small dogs.
This pet waste disposal works like a miniature septic tank. It contains friendly bacteria and enzymes that break down dog waste into a safe liquid that is discharged into the soil. Then, the natural microbes in the soil purify it. All you have to do is put the dog waste in and add a little water.
Works like a miniature septic tank
Contains friendly bacteria and enzymes
Lid can be operated using your foot
Easy to install in a variety of soils
- Brand: Doggie Dooley
- Model: 3000
- Weight: 5.85 Pounds
The Doggie Doo Drain Dog Waste Sewer Line Attachment fits neatly to your sewer or to your septic clean-out and deposits dog poop directly into the sewer.
All you have to do to install it is locate the sewer clean-out access for your property and remove the lid. Then you place the Doodie Doo Drain instead of the lid and pop in the waste. It is easy to hose it clean with fresh water after use and remove it before replacing the sewer clean-out lid. No assembly is required and it can be used on clean-outs that are 3 inches or 4 inches is size.
Deposits dog poop directly into the sewer
Can be used with most sewer clean-outs
Quick and convenient
No complicated installation
- Brand: Doggie Doo Drain
- Model: B0020N940C
- Weight: 2.01 Pounds
This large capacity pet waste disposal system has a distinctive green lid and a large capacity that can accommodate waste from two large dogs or four small dogs. The tank of the Doggie Dooley disposal system is made from strong plastic and measures 16 inches by 16 inches and is 18 inches deep.
It works like a mini human waste disposal system and is supplied with a starter pack of digester which contains cultures of bacteria and enzymes that break down the dog poop. You just add a little water . It comes with extension panels and a foot-operated opening for hygiene. There will be no damage to your lawn or shrubs and all you have to do is dig a suitable hole to install it. Not all soils can accommodate this system.
Works like a mini human waste disposal system
Plastic construction and distinctive green lid
Supplied with a starter pack of digester with bacteria and enzymes
Causes no damage to your lawn
- Brand: Doggie Dooley
- Model: 3800X
- Weight: 6 pounds
Perfect for when you are out and about and need to collect up some dog waste, the Doo Doo Tube Filled Dog Waste Bag Holder is the hygienic way to carry dog waste with you until you can find somewhere hygienic to dispose of it.
This portable dog waste container measures 3 inches by 5 inches and is large enough to carry waste from four medium sized dogs. The canister is very easy to clean after use making it totally hygienic. The lid flips open and then closes to seal in both unpleasant odors and germs. You can attach it to your belt, jacket or bag using the heavy duty key ring that comes with a strong carabiner making it quick to unclip when it is needed.
Portable dog waste storage system
Convenient and hygienic
Easy to clean
Seals in odors
- Brand: DDT Store
- Model: B075FT2QSC
- Weight: 4.8 Ounces
Our Premium Pick is the PawPail Pet Waste Station which is a convenient and discrete way to store dog waste. It’s a commercial quality device that is attractive enough to be stored in your yard or garden. The UV-resistant, minimalist design can be mounted on any surface and dispenses bags as well as storing them when they are full.
The dog waste station controls odors using both activated carbon filters and DualVent technology that facilitates airflow. You do not need to use a liner bag. It comes with a roll of 200 thick, high quality pet waste bags that break down quickly and are kind to the environment and an activated carbon air filter.
Stores a large volume of dog waste discreetly
Attractive UV resistant case
Controls odors with activated charcoal filters
Supplied with 200 dog waste bags
- Brand: PawPail
- Model: 9.85 pounds
- Weight: PP1000
Our Best Value Pick is the Kurgo Tailgate Dumpster for Dog Garbage & Poop Bags that is a super useful travel accessory that will not break the bank. This handy dog poop garbage can attaches to the back of your vehicle using three magnets so that you do not have to bring the dog poop into the interior. It will attach to all metal surfaces but will not stick to aluminum or fiberglass so it will not fit to some SUV or truck doors. When you want to remove it, you just lift it off and empty it.
It has a hinged opening at the top for easy access and this secures at the front with a magnetic catch. It measures just 5.5 inches x 5 inches x 2.5 inches so it does not take up much room inside the vehicle when not in use and is easy to clean.
Stored outside a vehicle to prevent odors
Perfect for days out if you cannot find a bin
Easy to clean
Attaches securely outside the car and lifts off
- Brand: Kurgo
- Model: K01798
- Weight: 6.7 ounces
For environmentally safe dog poop disposal, you can’t go wrong with the Doggie Dooley 3535. This compact pet waste disposal system has enough capacity for households that have one large dog or two small dogs.
The poop enters at the top when you use the foot-operated lid. It enters a chamber measuring 14 by 14 by 10 inches where a digester (enzymes and bacteria) break it down. You install it by digging a hole – it takes about an hour. In cold areas, you need to fit it below the frost line and it is not suitable for clay soil or heavy sand. It comes with a 6-month supply of digester and full instructions.
Buried in the garden out of the way
Breaks down dog poop to make it safe
Supplied with 6 months of digester
Big enough for one large dog
- Brand: Doggie Dooley
- Model: 3535
- Weight: 1 Pounds
A complete pet waste disposal system for areas used by the public and many dogs that is also suitable for residential use. It is made from strong aluminum that is professional grade and has been designed to withstand all types of weather.
The Dog Waste Station includes a sign asking people to clean up after their dog, a locking poop bag dispenser (that holds 1,000 bags), a waste can with a lid (10 gallon capacity) and a liner clamp feature as well as a strong post that they all attach to. It comes with 400 dog waste bags and 25 liners for the waste can.
Complete pet waste disposal system suitable for commercial use
Includes a bag dispenser that holds 1,000 bags
10 gallon capacity waste can
Made from strong aluminum
- Brand: ZW USA Inc
- Model: B00OABJOAC
- Weight: 32 Pounds
A useful addition to the PawPail Pet Waste Station is the PawPail Pet Waste Station Mounting System. This useful device allows you to mount the pet waste disposal system anywhere that is convenient.
It has a quick release mechanism that allows you to remove the pet waste disposal system easily when you need to empty it and clean it. There are locking pin holes to prevent unauthorised tampering or theft. You can fix it anywhere that there is good ventilation such as the exterior of your home or garage wall, or to fences or even trees. It does come with some mounting hardware but you will have to buy additional screws, bolts or adhesives to suit the location that you are mounting it.
Mounting kit for PawPail Pet Waste Station
Lifts the disposal system off the ground
Quick release mechanism
Locking pin holes to prevent unauthorised tampering
- Brand: PawPail®
- Model: PP1030
- Weight: 1.25 pounds
A great choice for those wanting to cover the basics, with a few extra features. It’s tall and slim so it can easily slide in to wherever you want to keep your pet waste disposal system. At the same time, it’s light enough to easily carry around with you, when cleaning up your yard.
Making the job even easier, is the universal bag holder, which keeps everything you need in one place and lets you clean up quicker, overall. However, the biggest benefit to this option is the multiple features which reduce odors. A locking handle, silicone gasket and non-toxic charcoal filter ensure your yard (or home, or shed) won’t stink up the place with your dog’s leavings between garbage days.
Lightweight and portable option
Slim and tall for easier storage
Multiple features reduce odor
Removable universal bag holder
- Brand: PetFusion
- Model: PF-DC1
- Weight: 5 Pounds
Best Dog Waste Disposal Systems Buying Guide & FAQ
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Dog Waste Disposal System
When you buy a dog poop disposal system, there are certain features that you should bear in mind.
- Convenience
Dog poop disposal systems should be close to where you need them. You should not have to walk a long way to get rid of the poop. If you are providing a system in a public area, it makes sense to have several of them. You will also need appropriate signage to make sure that it is used.
- Ease of use
Systems that are easier to use will get used more often! Features such as foot-operated lids on compost systems and carabiners on canisters that you carry around with you are very useful features to look out for.
- Hygiene
It is important that anything that is used around dog poop is easy to clean. It must be smooth and non-absorbent so that it can be washed thoroughly after use.
- Odor prevention
One of the most unpleasant things about dog poop is the odor! Even the most loving dog owners find it repulsive. Many dog waste disposal systems have features that trap the odors in. Others have activated carbon filters to remove it.
- Method of disposal
Some systems are like mini composters and actively break down the waste. Others discharge it directly into a sewer. You may prefer one that simply stores the waste until it is put out with the garbage. The one that is best for you will depend on the type of home that you live in, your garden or yard, and the environment where you live.
- Size
You need a disposal system that is big enough to cope with the amount of dog poop that your pooches produce. The size of your dogs is also important because bigger dogs produce more poop! The capacity of the waste system is often indicated in the description in terms of volume or the number of dogs (of different sizes) that it is suitable for.
You may also like our guides on Pooper Scoopers and Dog Poop Bags.
How Do Pet Waste Disposal Systems Work?
A pet waste disposal system works like a small septic tank. They use bacteria and enzymes to break down the poop – turning it into a harmless substance. This is then released into the soil where natural microbes break it down further. There is no damage to the vegetation and no risk to health as long as the capacity is not exceeded.
Types of Dog Poop Disposal System
Disposal systems come in various forms. The main types are outlined here.
- Trash can system: This is basically a container that stores the waste until you can dispose of it. There are versions that fit in your yard, in your car or that you carry around with you.
- Sewage clean-out attachments: These systems allow you to deposit waste directly into the sewer where it will be treated along with human waste. They are a funnel-like attachment that fits onto your sewage clean-out after you have removed the lid.
- Pet waste composter: These are disposal systems that work like a miniature septic tank. They contain bacterial and enzyme cultures (digesters) that actively break down the waste and then allow it to discharge into soil where it is broken down further by natural microbes.
How To Properly Dispose of Pet Waste
A dog waste system forms part of a method to responsibly dispose of dog poop.
This starts by picking it up from where your dog has deposited it. You need to watch your pooch carefully when you are in a public place to spot when they have done a poop. When you are out and about, this needs to be collected in a plastic bag. Try to choose bags that are biodegradable so that they do not damage the environment.
The best method is then to transport the bag home for disposal. You can use a car carrier or a container that you carry with you. Both should stop unpleasant odors from escaping.
Once you are back home, the best method is to dispose of the poop in a disposal system that operates like a small septic tank or put it directly in the sewer.
If you put it in your garbage can, it will give off unpleasant odors so you may want to store it in a special container with odor control until your garbage is collected.
You May Also Like: Dog Poop Bags and Pooper Scoopers
Best Dog Waste Disposal System FAQ:
Q: Can dog poop go into compost?
A: In theory, dog poop can go into your regular compost but this is not advisable. Dog poop contains a lot of pathogens and many of them can be transmitted to humans. The conditions within most compost heats allow these microbes to survive. So, when you spread the compost on your garden, you are spreading nasty microbes too.
Some research has shown that if your compost heap temperature exceeds 165 degrees for five days you will destroy most pathogens but that is not easy for most people to achieve.
Q: Can I throw dog waste in the garbage?
A: Most US government departments recommend that you dispose of dog poop down a toilet. However, you should not put plastic bags into the sewer so you will have to remove these first.
In practice, most dog owners dispose of their dog’s waste in the garbage. Whilst this is legal, it is not desirable from an environmental point of view. It results in millions of tons of waste (including plastic bags) entering landfill every year.
Q: Is dog waste harmful to humans or the environment?
A: Dog waste is certainly harmful to humans. It can contain bacteria, viruses, parasites and worms that can make humans very ill. Examples include salmonella and toxocariasis. The best way to protect yourself is to wash your hands thoroughly after handling dog poop and to dispose of it responsibly.
Dog poop is considered a pollutant by gardeners and discolors or even burns grass. It is believed that the nitrogen content of dog poop is partly to blame.
Sources:
- Stephanie Colman, Earth-Friendly Dog Poop Disposal, Whole Dog Journal
- Bryant, Carol, The Scoop on Poop: Facts on How to Dispose of Dog Poop, PetMD
