EnviroWagg : dog waste compost, dog poop compost

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. Yard composting dog waste can result in a soil amendment that is not appropriate for gardening edibles because of the risk that direct contact will contaminate vegetables and fruits. However, high-volume dog waste composting by conscientious, well-informed individuals is another matter entirely.

Research has shown that the 145 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. So dog waste composting resulting in a safe product can be done if approached with due diligence.

- The City of Vancouver, B.C. is taking a serious look at composting as a way to deal with the growing volume of dog waste in its public parks (Dealing with Dog Waste in Vancouver Parks / Preliminary Research for Dog Waste Composting at Everett Crowley Park, LEES + Associates Landscape Architects).
- The city of Toronto is aiming at 70% residential waste diversion with the assistance of its Green Bin Program - From Curb to Compost. Pet waste and disposable diapers may be included with other organic Green Bin waste.
- Based on a 2006 City of Toronto waste audit, the city found that dog waste is the largest litter stream by weight at its. As a consequence Toronto is piloting a Green Bin Dog Waste Plan at several city parks that collects and processes this waste stream.
- Volunteers at Notre-Dame-de-Grace dog run in Montreal continue to experiment with on-site dog waste composting, a program which is the subject of a Concordia University study.
- A pilot partnership between dog owners and a compost company in Ithaca, N.Y. is undertaking large-scale composting of waste collected at the city's dog park.
- The City of Madison, Wisconsin is piloting an organics collection program that includes pet waste and disposable diapers. Materials will be taken to the Columbia County Compost Facility near Portage.
- Brattleboro, Vermont has installed a Project COW (Community Organic Waste) container at the fairgrounds where residents deposit compostable waste including unrecyclable paper, food scraps, pet waste, and yard/garden waste.
- OrganaWorld Canada, which composts organics for the City of Ottawa, recently won approval from the provincial government to compost disposable diapers, dog waste and compostables in plastic bags. City council does not back the decision and will not permit these items in its green bin program. See full story, Ottawa Citizen, Nov. 7, 2011.