Animal waste in your yard smells bad, attracts pests, and could end up on the bottom of your shoe at the worst possible time. It can also make you or your pet sick.

Pet waste contains pathogens such as Salmonella, Giardia, and E. coli. People or pets that come into contact with it can develop illnesses and infections that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other unpleasant symptoms. Children are particularly at risk because they often play in the dirt and may put contaminated objects in their mouths.

Fortunately, you can avoid this hazard by promptly removing pet waste from your yard. However, this could leave you with a smelly problem until trash day. Where can you dispose of animal waste in Central Arkansas?

Option 1: Throw pet waste in the trash

Your garbage can is the most obvious place to store Fido’s leavings until trash pickup day. In most places, you can throw dog poop and other animal waste in your household trash without any issues.

However, it’s a good idea to research your city or county laws first. For example, the city of Hot Springs, AR, tells residents to place small animal waste in a plastic bag and dispose of it in an approved solid waste container.

Your local sanitation department or government website is a good place to begin your research. You can also check this pet waste disposal resource we created for Central Arkansas residents.

How should you dispose of animal waste in the trash?

To dispose of animal waste in the trash:

1. Place animal waste in a sealed bag.
2. Double bag if you need to.
3. Put the sealed bag in an approved solid waste container

Avoid throwing animal waste in trash cans that do not belong to you, such as those belonging to your neighbor or a dumpster used by a business or apartment complex. If you live in an apartment or other rental, ask your landlord where you should dispose of your pet’s waste.

What are the penalties for illegal animal waste disposal?

The penalties for illegal disposal of animal waste in Arkansas vary depending on the specific offense and the severity. Penalties could include fines from $100 to $1,000.

The city or state may also require you to pay the cost of any damage caused to someone else’s property and any expenses involved with properly cleaning and disposing of the waste. Your local county or city government may impose additional penalties.

What can you do with animal waste in between trash pickups?

You’ve confirmed that it’s legal to throw dog poop in your household trash, but what do you do to keep it from stinking up the place until trash day? If you’re still smelling poo even after putting it in a sealed bag, try double bagging.

Some other options include:

• Put bagged poop in an outdoor trashcan with a lid.
• Collect bagged waste in a container until trash pickup day and then add it to the trash bin.
• Toss bags in a diaper pail or pet waste disposal pail.

Other options for pet waste disposal

If you can’t or don’t want to throw dog poop in your trash, we recommend contacting a professional pet waste removal company to clean your yard regularly. Calling a pro ensures safe and legal removal of animal waste.

Flush animal waste down the toilet

If local law allows it and you are connected to your municipal sewer system, you can flush animal waste down the toilet. However, if you have bagged the poop, do not flush the bag, even if the bag claims to be flushable.

Do not flush dog poop if you have a septic system.

If you have a septic system, you should not flush dog poop. Doing so can disrupt the bacteria your septic tank needs to work properly.

Consider installing a separate animal waste septic tank instead. If you have cats in your household, avoid flushing kitty litter down the toilet.

Compost your pet waste

Composting dog poop can be tricky. Household composting may not produce enough heat to kill off harmful bacteria and parasites.

If you want to compost dog poop, it is important to do your research and follow directions precisely. For this reason, we advise most homeowners to avoid this potentially risky option.

Properly disposing of animal waste is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. Whether you decide to use a professional waste removal service or do it yourself, regularly disposing of your pet waste will keep your yard looking and smelling fresh and keep your family and pets healthy.