What to Do With Pet Waste

Scoop it, bag it and trash it... even in your yard!

Here's the problem: We have more than 125,000 dogs and 60,000 outdoor cats in Seattle. That amounts to about 50,000 pounds of pet waste every day!

There are bacteria and micro-organisms in pet waste, such as Roundworms, E. coli, and Giardia that can make people sick if they're ingested. Some can last in your yard for as long as four years if not cleaned up. Children who play outside and adults who garden are at greatest risk of infection. Left on streets, curb strips and in yards and parks, pet waste can be carried by rainwater to storm drains and into our creeks, lakes, and Puget Sound without treatment.

What should I do?

• Scoop your dog’s poop, put it in a plastic bag, seal it, and throw it in the garbage, not in the yard waste.
• Cat litter should be bagged and placed in the trash. Do not flush it down the toilet.

Related Resources

• The "Where Does It Go?" Tool
• Off-Leash Areas
• Seattle Animal Shelter
• Puget Sound Starts Here (Get involved in improving the health of the Puget Sound)