Composting is a natural process that converts organic waste into a plant-nutrient source. As you clean up your pet’s waste appropriately, you might question, “Can dog feces be put in compost?”
After all, the waste is an organic derivative that, like steer or pig manure, should be able to be transformed back into a garden supplement.
Unfortunately, parasites found in pet waste may not be eliminated in home compost piles. For this to happen, a consistent temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (73 degrees Celsius) must be maintained for at least 5 days.
Poop is inevitable if you own a dog. It’s also a problem to figure out how to get rid of all of that excrement.
Dog excrement should not be added to compost bins, according to conventional composting theory and most agricultural extension offices.
Researchers from the Fairbanks Soil and Water Conservation District in Alaska have discovered that dog poo may be composted successfully
with some necessary measures, according to a collaborative study between mushers and the Fairbanks Soil and Water Conservation District.
The controlled breakdown or deterioration of organic waste into a substance known as humus is known as composting.
Water, organic materials, air, bacteria, and a little human interaction are all required for composting dog poop.
How To Safely Compost Dog Poop
To successfully and safely compost dog excrement, high temperatures must be maintained at all times to destroy hazardous parasites.
If you’re confident you’ve done everything correctly and have a quality product, you can use it as an amendment in your garden.
However, because there is no guarantee that the parasites are dead, use should be limited to areas around ornamental plantings like shrubs and trees.
Do not use the compost made from pet excrement around food plants. For optimal results, combine it with vegetative compost.
You’ll need some nitrogen-rich materials and some carbon-rich materials to get started composting. Your “wet” materials should be nitrogen-rich, such as dog excrement, green grass clippings, and vegetable waste.
Sawdust, straw or hay, and shredded newspaper are examples of carbon materials that can be employed.
You’ll also need a shovel to turn the compost, a long-stemmed thermometer, and a water source, as well as two bins, one to contain the composting materials and one to actively compost. There is also some safe way to compost fog poop.
Drill holes in the side of your garbage can where the compost will be stored. Place the bin in a bright, dry location.
Cover the dog pop with a shovel full of carbon materials as you add it to the bin. Add at least one shovel of sawdust or other carbon material for every two shovels of dog feces.
Every time you add something new, make sure to completely mix it in.
To speed up digestion, add a shovel full of old compost to the mound every few days. You can utilize dirt from your garden if you’re just starting.
Keep the pile moist at all times! Water should be added in little amounts until the compost resembles a wet sponge.When your bin is filled, cover it to allow the microorganisms to begin their work.
You can now begin taking the compost’s temperature.
You should turn the compost pile when the temperature starts to drop, which usually happens after about two weeks. Before utilizing your final compost, let it cure for a few months.
Reference
- Design, Testing and Implementation of a Large-Scale Urban Dog Waste Composting Program
- End-of-Life Management of Biodegradable Plastic Dog Poop Bags through Composting of Green Waste
- Don’t waste your dog’s poo – compost it
