Can You Flush Dog Poop Down The Toilet? (Answered By Experts)

Yes, in most places you can flush dog poop down the toilet, and the US EPA lists it as one of the better disposal options because the waste gets treated at a sewage plant. Flush only the poop itself – never poop bags, even ones labeled “flushable” – and check first if you’re on a septic system or your local water authority advises against it.

Let’s take a deeper dive into the subject and see what the experts have to say about the matter.

Dog poop in the toilet – a good idea?

Flushing your pooch’s poop down the loo – is it a good idea? The US Environmental Protection Agency and the Natural Resources Defense Council (1) seem to think so. Keep in mind, it is strongly discouraged to flush with dog poop bags so let’s just focus on the waste itself here.

Not only is leaving pet waste on the ground unsightly and unpleasant, but it can also increase public health risks by allowing dangerous bacteria and nutrients to make their way into storm drains, eventually contaminating our local water sources. Flushing it down the toilet sends it to a treatment plant instead, which is one of the more responsible ways to dispose of it.

But if you have a feline friend, don’t even think about flushing their droppings as they may contain a nasty parasite that can infect both humans and animals – yikes! Cat litter can also clog pipes, so stick with throwing kitty litter in the bin.

But when it comes to your pup’s poopie, give the toilet a flush!

4 Reasons why people flush their dog’s poop

Not really sure why people would want to flush their pup’s poop? Here are 4 reasons:

1Convenience

Flushing dog poop down the toilet is the ultimate convenience – no more holding your breath as you open a stinky trash can, and no more wrestling with bin liners or odor sprays.

With a flushing toilet, you can simply let gravity do what it does best and keep your hands (and nose) clean. Now that’s true convenience!

2Flushing dog poop is much faster

Flushing your pup’s poo can give you a break from the tedious task of bagging and carrying it out to the bin! It’s truly a “poo-erful” method, as it’s a fast and easy process.

Once you’ve scooped it, it takes seconds for the evidence to disappear down the toilet!

3Environmental concerns

Dog poop has been a longstanding issue for many neighborhoods, and it’s not just about the smell. It turns out that our furry friends can be damaging to our environment if their beloved doodoo isn’t disposed of properly!

Dog poo is actually packed with bacteria, parasites and nutrients that can easily wash into local water sources if left outside. The best way to keep these contaminants from infiltrating our environment is by doing the unthinkable- flushing dog poop down the toilet!

Sure, it’s a bit gross, but the sewage plant is designed to treat this kind of waste before the water is released, which helps keep rivers and streams cleaner.

4Lack of access to other disposal methods

Believe it or not, the options for getting rid of dog poop are actually quite limited – if you don’t have those little bins by tree corners, or access to a place close by where disposal is allowed, your best bet is probably just flushing it.

It sounds strange, yes, but it’s often simpler than the alternatives. Your pooch’s, uhm… “output” won’t usually clog your plumbing if you flush one or two poops at a time, but don’t flush large amounts at once or anything mixed with grass, gravel or litter. But hey, if you’re really afraid of that ever happening down the road – maybe look into one of those outdoor poop trash cans?

Safest way to flush dog poop

Alright, let’s talk about the safest way to flush your pup’s poop. First things first – make sure you have some toilet paper on hand, ’cause you may need it!

Next, pick up your pooch’s poo with a scooper or a bag and carry it to the bathroom. Wearing gloves is a good idea, of course. Once you get to the toilet, tip the poo into the bowl (the bag goes in the trash, not the toilet) and flush.

If you feel like there are still some remnants left behind after the water had stopped swirling, don’t worry – just add a few sheets of your trusty toilet paper and give it another flush. And voila!

Flush a second time if needed, just to make sure everything goes down the drain, and don’t forget to wash your hands and the scooper thoroughly after.

If your home uses a septic system, check with your septic service before making this a habit, as pet hair and the extra waste can be harder for some systems to handle.

Finally, if you’re still not comfortable with flushing dog poop, bear in mind that it is perfectly acceptable to throw it away in the regular trash, as long as you put it into a sealed bag.

3 Alternatives to flushing dog poop

If the thought of flushing your pup’s poo down the toilet doesn’t sit right with you, don’t worry! There are still plenty of alternatives – some more convenient than others.

1In-ground septic tank system

An in-ground dog poop digester (a mini septic tank for pet waste) is a handy way to dispose of your pup’s poop in the yard. Unlike flushing, it doesn’t need any plumbing – so even if you’re in an area that isn’t serviced by municipal sewage, you can still dispose of your pup’s poop at home.

The tanks are buried underground, where bacteria and enzymes break down the organic material – aka your pup’s poop. Keep them well away from vegetable beds, wells and streams.

Read How To Build A DIY Dog Poop Septic Tank

2Composting the dog poop

Composting dog poop is not only an environmentally-friendly way of dealing with doggy business, but it can also help give your garden a natural and organic boost! That’s right – properly composted dog poo can add valuable nutrients to the soil around flowers, shrubs and lawns.

Just remember to steer clear of using the compost for edible gardening – those pesky parasites and pathogens can still be lurking, as a home compost pile rarely gets hot enough to kill them all!

Read more about composting dog poop for fertilizer

3Outdoor dog poop waste bin

Using an outdoor dog poop waste bin is an effective and hassle-free way to handle your pup’s presents. These bins come in all shapes and sizes, and the best ones have tight-fitting lids that keep any smelly surprises contained until they can be collected and disposed of properly.

Plus, many can be mounted on a post or wall so they are easy to reach when you need them! Now that’s a perfect solution for keeping your yard, and your nose, fresh.

Read more about the best outdoor dog poop trash cans

Final thoughts – Flushing Dog Poop

So to conclude our article, flushing dog poop is generally accepted as a safe and effective disposal method, so long as you remember to not flush poop bags and check the rules if you’re on a septic system. However, if flushing does not feel right for you, there are plenty of alternatives that can help you safely take care of your pup’s poo.