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Dog Waste Composting
from:Dog waste composting, although seldom heard of in the past, is becoming quite common today, especially for those with multiple dogs. Over 270 pounds of waste is produced each year from the average dog or an average of ¾ of a pound per day. Dog waste on your front or back lawn not only looks unattractive but can cast an unpleasant odor in your entire yard. If dog waste is not tended to, it not only is unpleasant but makes for a very unsanitary living space for the dog and can transmit infectious diseases and parasites.
Composting the dog waste is not only an inexpensive way of getting rid of the dog waste but is also very simple. Dog waste composting also helps the environment by lessening the amount of waste that needs to go into landfills. It also produces a high quality soil additive as well as improving the fertility and physical condition of the soil. Dog compost can be used as a soil additive for lawns, flower beds or as a mulch material. It should not be used for vegetable gardens or crops used for human consumption.
Bins for dog waste composting are being seen more and more in urban areas or on beaches. They're basically simple to use and can be made in your backyard. You can use an old garbage can or large plastic pail. A garbage can works well because it has a cover. Cut out the bottom of the can and drill holes in the sides for ventilation. The next step is digging a hole in the ground large enough for you to place the entire can inside. Put some gravel or rocks on the bottom of the hole for drainage. Place the garbage can in the hole. If you've put in enough rocks, the garbage can should be just a little bit above the soil level.
Put the lid on the can and label the can. The reason for the labeling is so it's not mistaken for something other than what it is and to alert children so they'll stay away from it. As soon as you find some dog waste, put it in the can. You'll need to purchase some septic tank starter to sprinkle on top of this waste. Then add some water to the mix. The septic tank starter is non-caustic and will promote the growth of natural bacteria. It will begin to work on the waste within 48 hours. After this time you can add dog waste to it regularly. It will begin to biodegrade and flow into the ground and subsoil.
If you find that this doesn't take very long to fill, you can also move the can and start another pile in a different location. Your visitors will love that your lawn is no longer filled with dog waste and you'll be helping the environment at the same time.
Building A Composting Toilet Specific links
Building A Composting Toilet News
3 Composting Toilets for Green Building and LEED - Green-Buildings.com
3 Composting Toilets for Green Building and LEED Green-Buildings.com The following 3 composting toilets are currently on the market, and can be used for green and LEED certified building projects. Ecovita's Separett Villa composting toilet (pictured) was voted one of the top 10 green building products of 2009 by ... |
Pine Knot looks to increase public role - The Daily Progress
Pine Knot looks to increase public role The Daily Progress Pine Knot, the former retreat of President Theodore Roosevelt, is seeking special permission from Albemarle County to establish a small educational building and to install a composting toilet on its 90-acre grounds. Plans also include monthly events ... |
County planners support museum for Teddy Roosevelt's rural retreat - Charlottesville Tomorrow News Center
County planners support museum for Teddy Roosevelt's rural retreat Charlottesville Tomorrow News Center The foundation will need to get permission from the Virginia Department of Health to build a composting toilet to replace a portable one that is currently on site. “We'd like to make it something that's not a horrible experience,” Beazley said. |
To reduce food waste, city to try disposals - Philadelphia Inquirer
To reduce food waste, city to try disposals Philadelphia Inquirer Tolson said the city has had a program to distribute composting bins. The disposals are simply another option. The water department is eager to get more organic material. The sewer plant is already designed to treat the waste from your toilet, ... |
Universal joint: UNCA teams with Astronomy Club to build new observatory - Mountain Xpress
Universal joint: UNCA teams with Astronomy Club to build new observatory Mountain Xpress The low-impact nature of the project also includes minimal lighting and composting toilets. “The university's decision to put an observatory up there represents a commitment to a dark site that tends to preclude large scale development,” explains ... |