Pet Waste Management

It's important to clean up after your pet, even in your own yard. Left on the ground, this waste often makes its way to storm sewers which drain directly into our lakes and rivers. DNA studies of waterway bacteria have linked dog and cat waste with significant water pollution. Pick up pet waste and either flush it down the toilet, or enclose it in a plastic bag and dispose in the trash. Never put pet waste in your compost.

UF/IFAS Sites

• UF Clean Water Campaign: Pick Up After Pets

UF/IFAS Publications

• Aquatic Algae (PDF)
• Being a Good Neighbor
• Pet Care in Florida

Also on Gardening in a Minute

• Gardening for Cats
• Pet-friendly Landscaping
• Protect the Waterfront
• What is Stormwater Runoff?

Other Sites

• Dog-On-It Lawn Problems--Texas AgriLife Extension
• Dog Waste Poses Threat to Water--USA Today
• It Doesn't Just Go on the Lawn--Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (PDF)
• Pet Waste--City of Fort Lauderdale (FL)
• Prevent Water Pollution: Pick Up After Your Dog--Charity Guide
• The Scoop on Dog Poop--Alachua County (FL)