To dispose of dog poop without smell, seal it in a tied, leak-proof poop bag, double-bag it or drop it into a lidded bin with a charcoal filter, sprinkle baking soda in the bin, empty it often, and keep it outside and out of direct sun. If you’d rather skip the trash can altogether, flushing, composting, or an in-ground dog waste digester are other low-odor options.
Below we go through each method in more detail, plus the habits that make poop smell worse, so your trash can is no longer a constant reminder of Fido’s latest business.
How to stop dog poop from smelling in my bin?
There are multiple methods of dealing with this issue but the most important is buying the right kind of bin. Look for bins with lids that fit securely to prevent odors from escaping and opt for a material like plastic that’s easy to clean and resistant to odors.
If you search for a specific dog poop trash can, you’ll find that most of them have charcoal filters installed in them which helps to neutralize the smell. Besides finding the correct trash can, here are 5 other methods to control the odor of your trash can:
Read More About The Best Outdoor Dog Poop Trash Cans
1Seal the poop with poop bags
Some people just assume that wrapping any old bag around the dog poop and throwing it in the trash is enough to contain the odor. But this doesn’t always work! Thin grocery bags often have small holes, and a loosely tied bag lets the smell escape.
Dog poop bags are specifically designed to be leak-proof so they keep the smell contained better than regular plastic bags. And since some are scented, they can help mask the smell as well. Squeeze out the air and tie a tight knot before tossing the bag.
Read Our Guide On The Best Poops Bags For Dogs
2Extra trash can liners
In addition to dog poop bags, using extra trash can liners is also an effective way to contain the odor of your pup’s poop.
This method works particularly well if you have a double-bagged system in place. All you have to do is throw the bagged poop into another trash bag before it goes into the bin and voila! You’ve got a trash can with barely any smell.
3Odor neutralizers
If your dog poop trash can does not include a charcoal filter, then you can buy odor neutralizers separately. There are also many deodorizers you may already have at home, like:
5 Odor neutralizers To Remove Poop Smell
- Baking soda - As a natural deodorizer, you can sprinkle baking soda in your trash can
- White vinegar - Simply add some white vinegar to a spray bottle and spritz it around the inside of your bin
- Lemon juice - Add fresh or bottled lemon juice to a spray bottle and spray the inside of your bin
- Dryer sheets - Place a few dryer sheets in the bottom of your bin to absorb moisture and help eliminate odors
- Essential oils - Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to some water and spray it in the bin
If your dog has access to the bin, skip the dryer sheets and essential oils, since chewed dryer sheets and some essential oils (like tea tree oil) can make dogs sick.
4Maintain a clean trash can
You can’t just throw your pup’s poop in the trash and expect it to stay odor-free! It’s important to clean your trash can regularly to prevent a buildup of bacteria, which is the main cause of foul odors.
Give your bin a good scrub down with warm soapy water and then rinse it to remove any stuck poop particles. You can also add a teaspoon of baking soda to the water to help further deodorize the can.
For extra freshness, add a bit of white vinegar or lemon juice to the rinse water, and let the bin dry completely before putting in a new liner.
Keep your trash can outside
As self-evident as it may seem, keeping your trash can outside is one of the most effective ways to keep the smell at bay. Not only does the fresh air help to dissipate the odor but the cooler temperatures outside can also help to prevent bacteria from growing.
Plus, you don’t have to worry about the smell of your pup’s poop lingering in your kitchen or bedroom. You can just keep it outside, out of sight and far away from your nose!
One caveat: an ordinary indoor bin moved outdoors fades and rusts within a season, and its lid doesn’t seal well enough to matter. If you’re going to keep waste outside — and you should — use a can built for it. The AnimoGoods 5L Outdoor Dog Poop Trash Can is the one we use: it takes an activated-carbon filter in the lid (the single most effective odor measure at this size), has a soft-close seal and a removable inner bucket, and its UV-resistant body is made to sit in the sun permanently.
What could make the dog poop smell worse?
We all want to get rid of the stench of our furry friend’s waste efficiently and quickly. However, certain habits can cause an unpleasant odor to linger for much longer than necessary – such as not regularly taking out the trash, leaving it in direct heat or sunlight, and infrequent cleaning sessions.
Not taking out the trash regularly can easily cause a nasty buildup of bacteria, which in turn makes for a pungent aroma. Even if you’ve bagged the poop and placed it in a bin with a charcoal filter, the smell will start to overwhelm the filter after a while if you don’t take out the trash.
Leaving your trash can in direct sunlight or other heat sources can also cause the bacteria to multiply, which intensifies the smell. The same goes for not cleaning your bin regularly – if you don’t give it a good scrub down every now and then, bacteria will accumulate and make the odor even worse.
3 Other methods to dispose of dog poop without smell
This article has mostly focused on trash can solutions, but a trash can is not always the most convenient option. So here are some other ways that you can dispose of your pup’s poop without any smell:
1Composting Dog poop
If you have the space, then composting is an excellent way to dispose of your pup’s poop without any smell. All that’s needed is a compost bin, some dry leaves or sawdust to act as a bulking agent, and the right balance of nitrogen and carbon.
Your pup’s poop is full of nitrogen, and the dry leaves or sawdust provide the carbon. Cover each addition of poop with plenty of dry material, keep the pile moist but not soggy, and turn it regularly. A hot, well-balanced compost pile smells earthy rather than foul.
Never use dog poop compost on edible plants, as certain parasites and bacteria in dog waste can be harmful to humans, even after composting.
Read Our Guide On Turning Dog Poop Into Garden Gold
2Flushing down the toilet
This may not be an ideal option for everyone, but it’s one of the most effective ways to dispose of your pup’s poop without any smell. Scoop the waste, tip it into the toilet, and flush it away.
Make sure not to throw regular poop bags into the toilet, as they can clog your pipes. Even bags labeled “flushable” can cause problems in some plumbing and septic systems, and some local authorities advise against flushing pet waste, so check your local rules first.
Read Our Article Can You Flush Dog Poop Down The Toilet?
3In-ground septic tank
Similar to composting, an in-ground dog waste digester (a mini septic tank) is a great way to dispose of your pup’s poop without any smell. It’s basically a container with an open or perforated bottom buried in the ground, with a lid at ground level. You drop the poop in, add water and a digester enzyme now and then, and the broken-down waste soaks into the surrounding soil. It works best in well-draining soil and should be placed away from vegetable gardens, wells, and water sources.
Read Our Guide Building a DIY In-Ground Septic Tank
Final thoughts – No more stinky business
With these tips and tricks, you’ll never have to worry about the smell of your pup’s poop ever again. No more stinky business!
Just keep in mind that regular cleaning and maintenance are key, just think of it as a part of being a good pet parent. And don’t forget to take out the trash on time – otherwise, you’re in for a smelly surprise!
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