How to Keep a Buried Dog Waste Receptical From Smelling

Burying pet waste in a backyard composting station is an alternative to flushing it down a toilet or sending it to the landfill packed in a plastic grocery bag. Although the waste can be buried in a hole and then covered, some people build septic-style waste pits by removing the bottom of an old plastic trash container and punching holes in the sides to encourage proper drainage. The waste is placed in the pit and it decomposes over time. But, even a properly built septic-style pet waste composter can emit some odor.

Things You'll Need

  • Septic tank starter
  • Fireplace ash
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase septic tank starter. Odors from a septic-style pet waste composter can be controlled by septic tank starter, which is available at home improvement stores and in the hardware aisle of most grocery stores.

    • 2

      Sprinkle the composter with a little water and follow directions on the septic tank starter container in order to determine how much to use. It generally is only needed every few months.

    • 3

      If you are not using a septic-style system, one alternative is to dig a hole at least eight inches deep. Fill this hole about halfway with pet waste. Add fireplace ash to the hole and cover the hole with dirt. The carbon source will help break down the feces and reduce the odor.

    • 4

      Place a pet waste composting area in an area away from a stream or other waterway. Runoff from your pet waste could contain high levels of nitrogen and bacteria that could get into the water supply.