What to Do with Pet Waste

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

Pets are beloved members of many Seattle families – it's estimated that there are around 187,000 dogs living in the city! Alongside the 60,000 or so outdoor cats, our pets collectively produce about 145,000lbs of waste daily.

It is important to scoop it, bag it, and trash it every time, or pet waste can pose threats to the health of humans, other animals, and our waterways:

Besides being unpleasant to step in, there are bacteria and micro-organisms in pet waste 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. See the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s list below for what bacteria and diseases can be found in dog poop:

*Asterisks indicate parasites and diseases that other animals can also contract. Parvo has a high fatality rate for puppies.

If left on streets, curb strips or in yards and parks, pet waste can be carried by rainwater to storm drains and into our creeks, lakes, and Puget Sound without treatment. This can affect people swimming or playing in the water, as well as contributing to water pollution that affects fish habitats. Severe contamination can lead to beach or shellfish harvesting closures. Remember to always scoop it, bag it, and trash it before it can hurt people, animals, or the environment.

FAQ

Most pets are not fed a natural diet, which affects the constitution of their waste. The Environmental Protection Agency has classified pet waste as a dangerous pollutant in the same category as toxic chemicals, with cat waste being even more toxic than dog waste. Pet waste should not be left outside or buried in a yard.

No. Though compostable and biodegradable bags help reduce plastic consumption and microplastics in the environment, pet waste is considered a dangerous pollutant and should always go in the trash regardless of what kind of bag is used. Pet waste is a leading source of contamination in the compost stream.

Seattle Public Utilities recommends using plastic bags that are not brown or green, to help pet owners remember that pet waste cannot be composted. Bags that are made of at least 65% post-consumer recycled materials are a better option than bags made of entirely new plastic.

Dog poop can be flushed (without a bag!), but cat litter and poop must always go in the trash.

Dog bag stations of all kinds are available for purchase online and in stores around the city. West Seattle residents can send an inquiry to Poogooder about getting involved in their free, volunteer-run program. Please remember to consult with property owners and check pipe locations before installing anything.

Animal waste must be removed immediately from public property or property not owned by the pet owner. Additionally, pet waste must be scooped every 24 hours from the pet owner's property, to prevent stormwater contamination. 

Please note that pet waste should be disposed of in your own trash can or a public trash can—not in a neighbor’s trash can unless you have been given explicit permission.

See Seattle Municipal Code 9.25.082 and 21.36.440.

If you observe a pet owner not scooping their pet's waste and have the address or license plate information of the pet owner, you may report the incident using the service request form. If you do not have the information about the pet owner, you can print and post a "Scoop It" sign to encourage compliance.

Related Resources

Public Utilities

Andrew Lee, General Manager and CEO
Address: 700 5th Avenue, Suite 4900, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34018, Seattle, WA, 98124-5177
Phone: (206) 684-3000
SPUCustomerService@seattle.gov

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Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is comprised of three major direct-service providing utilities: the Water Utility, the Drainage and Wastewater Utility, and the Solid Waste Utility.