Environmental Stewardship 101: How to Properly Dispose of Dog Poop at Home

Living in the Pacific Northwest, we pride ourselves on being environmentally conscious. From the recycling bins in Tacoma (Midland) to the conservation efforts in Olympia (East Olympia, Boston Harbor), we generally try to do the right thing for our planet. However, there is one daily household byproduct that often stumps even the most eco-friendly pet owners: dog waste.

It is a question we hear constantly from clients in Pierce, Kitsap, Thurston, Mason, and Eastern Jefferson counties: "I have a bag full of waste, but what to do with dog poop to ensure I'm not harming the environment?"

You might assume that because it is "natural," you can simply return it to the earth. Unfortunately, the reality is far more complex. Many common disposal methods are actually illegal, dangerous to our local septic systems, or harmful to the delicate ecosystems of the Puget Sound and Hood Canal.

In this guide, we will break down how to properly dispose of dog feces according to regional environmental standards—and why calling in the professionals might be the most responsible choice you make.

Myth #1: “It’s Natural Fertilizer! I’ll Just Bury It.”

The Reality: It is a pollutant, not a plant food.

A common misconception is that dog waste is identical to cow manure. This leads many homeowners to ask how to dispose of dog poop in yard spaces by burying it.

However, dogs are carnivores. Because they eat high-protein diets, their waste is acidic and packed with pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and roundworms that can survive in the soil for years. According to the EPA, dog waste is classified as a nonpoint source pollutant, placing it in the same toxicity category as oil and chemical runoff.

When you bury waste in areas with high water tables—like Gig Harbor (Artondale, Longbranch, Vaughn), Bainbridge Island, or near the lakes in Lakewood—those pathogens can leach into the groundwater. This contamination eventually reaches the streams and bays where we swim and fish. If you live near the water in Port Ludlow or Shelton, burying waste is strictly advised against.

Myth #2: “I’ll Flush It Down the Toilet.”

The Reality: Your septic system is at risk.

If you are connected to a robust municipal sewer system in downtown Bremerton or Tacoma, flushing might be permissible (always check local ordinances). However, for the vast majority of residents in Roy, Spanaway, Yelm, Rochester, and rural Mason County, this is dangerous.

How to properly dispose of dog feces rarely involves your home plumbing if you are on a septic system. Here is why:

• Ash & Hair: Dog waste often contains hair, grass, and bone ash (from kibble) that do not break down the same way human waste does.
• Bacterial Imbalance: Septic tanks rely on a delicate balance of bacteria to break down solids. The high biological load and acidity of dog waste can disrupt this balance, leading to system failure.
• Regulatory Guidelines: Many local Public Health districts specifically state: “Do not flush pet waste down the toilet” if you are on a septic system.

Myth #3: “I’ll Compost It for My Garden.”

The Reality: Unless you are an industrial facility, it is unsafe.

We often see well-meaning gardeners in University Place and Poulsbo (Winslow) attempting to compost pet waste. While the intention is noble, how to dispose of dog poop in yard compost bins is a logistical nightmare.

To effectively kill hardy parasites like roundworm eggs, a compost pile must sustain a temperature of at least 165°F for several consecutive days. Most residential compost bins in our cool, damp climate—especially in Silverdale (Sterling Hills) or Port Orchard—never reach these temperatures.

If you spread this "compost" on your vegetable garden, you are introducing dangerous bacteria directly to your food source. University studies indicate that improper composting is a leading cause of fecal pollution in urban soils.

The Official Recommendation: The Trash Can Protocol

So, if burying, flushing, and composting are out, how to dispose of dog poop at home legally?

According to most Public Health departments in Pierce, Kitsap, Thurston, and Mason counties, the current standard is:

1. Scoop it.
2. Double bag it (to contain odors and pathogens).
3. Place it in the garbage.

While this method contains the waste and sends it to a lined landfill where it cannot contaminate groundwater, it is not without downsides. It requires using significant amounts of plastic, and it leaves you with a foul-smelling bin sitting in your garage or driveway all week. It is compliant, but it is certainly not pleasant.

The Superior Solution: Professional Removal

Why worry about groundwater contamination, septic failure, or stinky trash cans? There is a better option that guarantees compliance and cleanliness.

At Dooky Squad, we treat waste removal with the seriousness it deserves. We serve the entire region, from Steilacoom and Tumwater to Kingston and Shine, providing a professional solution to the question of what to do with dog poop.

When you hire us, we don’t just move the mess around. We remove the waste entirely from your property and dispose of it in strict accordance with Washington state and county environmental regulations.

• Eco-Friendly Protection: We protect the local watershed by ensuring waste is removed before it can break down and run off.
• Septic-Safe: We completely eliminate the risk to your plumbing infrastructure.
• Hassle-Free: You get a pristine yard without ever having to handle a bag or open a smelly bin.

Environmental stewardship starts in your own backyard. Let us handle the dirty work so you can rest easy knowing you are protecting your property and the beautiful Pacific Northwest ecosystem.

Ready to choose the responsible solution?