How to Compost Dog Feces

Dog feces does not break down easily when left to compose on its own and does not absorb into soil without adding additional ingredients. You can compost dog feces very inexpensively using simple ingredients and methods.

Things You'll Need

  • Septic starter
  • Shovel or garden spade
  • Plastic garbage bin with lid
  • Sharp knife
  • Drill
  • Dog feces
  • Liter of water
  • Leaves
  • Grass clippings
  • Vegetable waste
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Instructions

    • 1
      Ornamental garden

      You want to pick an area that is not near roots of trees as they can grow into your compost site. Also, do not dig your compost site near a food garden. Dog feces contains E. Coli, Salmonella, and other bacterial parasites which can contaminate your food. Place your compost site in an ornamental garden area only.

    • 2
      30-gallon trash can with lid

      Dig your compost hole with either a shovel or garden spade. Make it as deep as the length of the plastic garbage bin that you are going to use. You may use a 24-quart bin or even a 30-gallon bin that has a lid, depending on how many dogs you own.

    • 3
      Knife

      Drill or cut holes approximately 6 inches in diameter on both sides. Then cut out the whole bottom of your container. This prevents the container from caving in over time and allows effective soil absorption.

    • 4

      Place your trash container into the hole. Place your lid on the container to make sure that it fits snugly.

    • 5

      Place collected dog feces into your container and empty two packets of the septic starter (you can find this at your local supermarket) on top of the feces. You only need to add two packets the first time to start your compost.

    • 6
      Lawn mower and cut grass

      Add leaves or grass clippings or vegetable waste to help with composting. Place about two handfuls of the particular matter you choose to use.

    • 7
      Liquefied compost

      Initially, add a liter of water to your container on top of the septic starter powder, leaves or grass clippings and dog feces. Then cover the container with the lid. Let it sit covered for 48 hours for the composting process to begin.

    • 8

      After 48 hours you may begin adding more dog feces to your compost container on a daily basis.

    • 9

      Add about a gallon of water once a week and a packet of septic starter once a month to ensure proper breakdown of your dog's feces. You should not have to empty your container at all.