In Our Backyard: What’s the ‘scoop’ on pet waste?

    We can all help keep Maine’s lakes, streams, beaches and clam flats clean by properly disposing of pet waste. At least half of all surface water pollution in the country comes from contaminated storm water runoff. Pet waste contributes to the pollution load carried by runoff from rain or snow melt.     Pet waste can carry diseases that make water unsafe for swimming or drinking. In addition, children who play outside and adults who garden are most at risk for infection from some of the bacteria and parasites found in pet waste. A number of diseases and parasites can be transmitted from pet waste to humans, including Campylobacter and Salmonella bacteria, and a variety of roundworms, hookworms, and protozoa. These bacteria and parasites can cause illness ranging in severity from rashes, to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, to blindness, miscarriage, or even rarely, death.
    When pet waste washes into our lakes, streams, or coastal waters it can harm the environment as well. The waste carries nutrients that promote the growth of nuisance weeds and algae. Water can become cloudy and green. When the waste and algae decay, the process uses up oxygen in the water. This may leave so little oxygen for the fish that they die.
    So it’s important that we clean up after our pets; luckily it’s not difficult. Just bring plastic bags on your next pet walk. Some people use one bag as a glove to pick up the waste. Then they put the pet waste and the “glove” in the second plastic bag. Others prefer to use one bag, putting a hand inside it, scooping up the poop, and turning the bag inside out before depositing in the trash. You may also flush the waste (not the plastic bag!!) down the toilet. Do not flush bags, rocks, sticks or cat litter, or you are likely to have plumbing problems. Don’t put the bags and waste down the storm drain either. The bags may clog the drains and storm drains flow directly to a stream or river, not a treatment plant.
    Whatever method you choose, though, remember to wash your hands after dealing with the waste. Children are the most frequent victims of diseases from pet waste, and regular hand washing with soap and water provides important protection for both children and adults.
    Picking up after pets is more than good manners. Being a conscientious pet owner will help keep recreation areas open and available to our pets. It avoids the annoyance people feel when they have to walk carefully to avoid piles of pet waste as they try to enjoy our public spaces. This is a simple action that preserves goodwill, helps reduce heath risks, and is good for the environment.
    Excerpted from a fact sheet developed by Carolyn Johnson for Wisconsin public agencies and adapted by Maine Cooperative Extension. Additional information provided by Marianne DuBois from the DEP. In Our Back Yard is a weekly column of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. E-mail your environmental questions to infodep@maine.gov or send them to In Our Back Yard, Maine DEP, 17 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.