What makes composting dog waste unique?
While cow, sheep, horse, and poultry manure are commonly composted, dog waste has been traditionally considered as an appropriate component. Most city agencies, as well as the EPA, discourage placing dog feces in the compost bin along with food scraps. The reason is pathogens. If roundworms and other destructive organisms from unhealthy dogs come in contact with humans, they pose serious health risks. So the message to casual yard composters is “Don’t try this at home.” However, high-volume dog waste composting by conscientious, well-informed individuals is another matter entirely. Composting in dog yards Research has shown that the 145 degrees F and greater heat generated during large-volume composting in Fairbanks, Alaska mush dog yards is hot enough to kill even the most stubborn pathogens in dog waste. The study concludes that, with proper instruction, a manager with a yard of 20 or more dogs can compost their waste into a productive soil amendment that is safe to handle and use. T
