Photo: perwaz

• Flush it.
• Compost it.
• Use biodegradable and/or recycled products to handle it.

Pet waste can be composted, but it must be done carefully. Raw pet poop contains toxic organisms and bacteria (like E Coli, salmonella, and streptococcus) as well as parasites that can be toxic to humans. Purchase an additional compost bin to keep pet waste compost separated from other compost and never use pet waste compost on food crops.

Doggie bags

Why place biodegradable doggie doo in a plastic bag that will keep it locked up for hundreds (if not thousands) of years? Look for biodegradable poop bags to clean up doggie doo rather than plastic bags that will prevent any decomposition over the years. A biodegradable waste bag can be thrown in the compost bin (for use on non-food plants) or collected at your curb with other biodegradable yard waste. EcoChoices makes reasonably priced bags that are 100 percent biodegradable and made from non-genetically modified corn. Biobag dog waste bags are also biodegradable and are found in many parks and dog run facilities.