EnviroWagg, LLC

Agriculture and composting evolved in tandem over thousands of years. The Romans, Greeks, and Tribes of Israel were practiced in the art. The Bible and Talmud contain many references to the use of rotted manure straw, and 12th century Arab writings and medieval Church texts refer to compost. The early 20th century saw the development of new "scientific" methods of farming. Chemical fertilizers replaced compost as a plant nutrient in many areas of the world. Now the pendulum is swinging back. Organic farming and gardening are widely recognized as beneficial to the environment. And natural compost, valued for soil restoration and its slow release of nutrients for plants, is once again taking center stage.

Composting is the controlled aerobic (oxygen-using) biological decomposition of moist organic (biologically derived carbon-containing) solid matter to produce a soil conditioner. Composting works through the use of microorganisms, mainly a wide range of bacteria and fungi, which break down organic matter. These organisms transport oxygen and moisture throughout the compost mass while they assist the physical and chemical breakdown. Bulking material (typically, shredded bark mulch, straw, leaves or sawdust) is added to help maintain a porous texture that promotes aeration and good moisture content. Pathogens are killed by the high heat naturally generated during the initial process, predatory organisms, and the long retention time in the system.

While cow, sheep, horse, and poultry manure are commonly composted, dog waste has been traditionally considered as an appropriate component. Most city agencies, as well as the EPA, discourage placing dog feces in the compost bin along with food scraps. The reason is pathogens. If roundworms and other destructive organisms from unhealthy dogs come in contact with humans, they pose serious health risks. So the message to casual yard composters is "Don't try this at home." However, high-volume dog waste composting by conscientious, well-informed individuals is another matter entirely.

Research has shown that the 160 degrees F and greater heat generated during large-volume composting in Fairbanks, Alaska mush dog yards is hot enough to kill even the most stubborn pathogens in dog waste. The study concludes that, with proper instruction, a manager with a yard of 20 or more dogs can compost their waste into a productive soil amendment that is safe to handle and use. The study initiated a program that has been helping dog yards manage waste successfully for more than 10 years. The City of Vancouver, B.C. is now taking a serious look at composting as a way to deal with the growing volume of dog waste in its public parks.

Composting, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Composting Dog Waste, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Fairbanks Soil and Water District (download time: 1 min.)

Dealing with Dog Waste in Vancouver Parks / Preliminary Research for Dog Waste Composting at Everett Crowley Park, LEES + Associates Landscape Arcchitects