How to Clean Up Dog Poop in 8 Easy Ways

Cleaning up dog poop is a chore. Try these pickup and disposal methods to get the job done fast.

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Plastic Bags for Cleaning Up Dog Poop

Plastic bags are one of the most common methods of cleaning up dog poop. They’re often located in dispensers near “pick up your dog poop” signs. You can reuse plastic grocery bags this way, or buy a keychain attachment with biodegradable bags. This is the most convenient, hassle-free way to pick up dog poop.

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Bury Dog Poop
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Burying Dog Poop

If you’re on a walk and realize you forgot to bring a poop bag, don’t ignore the “pick up dog poop” sign. Bury your dog poop instead of leaving it to be stepped in. At home or out on a trail, burying it is probably the easiest (and most immediate) way to clean it up.

However, be extra careful where you bury it. If not buried properly, you could discover an unpleasant surprise next time you mow the lawn. It’s best to pick up dog poop before mowing the lawn to avoid spreading it across the yard. Here are a few ways to stop a dog from pooping in your yard.

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pitch fork in compost pile
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Composting Dog Poop

Dog poop can be composted. But due to the greater danger of parasites, it requires more specific conditions than other yard waste to yield a safe soil additive. If you don’t have compost at home, you could create a composting bin or purchase a dog-poo specific composting bin. Composting dog poop trash can help eliminate germs and pollutants, and it breaks down the waste safely. Here are a few tips to keep dogs from tracking mud into your house.

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Dog Newspaper
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Use Newspaper To Pick up Your Dog Poop

If you’re trying to use fewer plastic bags but would rather not clean a shovel or pooper scooper, a newspaper is a great alternative. It’s a great way to repurpose something you’ve already used, and it decomposes naturally. Newspaper is an easy, portable dog care tool.

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Pooper Scooper Cleaning Tool

Pooper-scoopers are a classic tool for dog owners. They help prevent extraneous waste, and unlike plastic bags you never feel the squish. Plus, they’re easy to clean with a garden hose! There are many kinds of pooper scoopers, including handheld models, long-handled rakes and vacuum-like power tools.

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Flush Toilet
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Flushing Dog Poop

Poop goes in the toilet, right? So why not flush your dog’s poop? Depending on your local rules and regulations, you might be able to do just that.

Although some people flush dog poop with a plastic bag, don’t — it’s terrible for the drain system. Use a shovel or pooper scooper to transfer the poop to your toilet to flush. This is just one way to keep your home clean when you have pets.

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Indoor Bathroom for Your Dog

If you have a smaller dog or live in a city, this may be an easy alternative to your problem. Forget transferring the poop from outdoors to indoors when you can simply use a dog pad. This one has plenty of room for dogs to spin around before doing their business. You might need to use a dog potty training spray to teach them to use it.

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Dog Poop Near Street Lamp
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Dog Poop Can Power Street Lamps

This one sounds crazy, but they actually exist. In some cities around the world, dog poop can power street lamps!

Such lamps utilize methane gas that comes from the poop. Simply place the poop bag in the lamp and turn a handle. The machine breaks down microorganisms and produces the gas that creates fuel. Now that’s one high-tech gadget for pets!