The Problem
Finding dog poop on top of your trash can is an unpleasant and unsanitary experience. As a homeowner, you want your property to remain clean and inviting, not become a dumping ground for irresponsible dog owners. Unfortunately, some neighbors seem oblivious or indifferent to the effect their actions have on others. While this doesn’t happen frequently, even a single occurrence is unacceptable. The question is, how do you stop this revolting behavior?
Why Would Anyone Do This?
There are a few possible reasons someone might place dog feces on your trash receptacle:
- Laziness – Rather than carrying it home or to a public bin, they quickly discard it on the nearest trash can they see.
- Malice – They deliberately target your property to mess with you.
- Obliviousness – They don’t even think about whose trash can they’re using.
Of these, simple laziness is probably the most common motivation. Most perpetrators aren’t doing it to harass you, but simply to avoid the minor inconvenience of disposing the waste properly. However, that doesn’t make it any less disgusting or frustrating. Regardless of why it’s happening, it needs to cease.
Health Risks of Dog Feces
Aside from being a smelly nuisance, allowing dog feces to pile up can pose health risks, especially if there are young children around. Some of the concerns include:
- Parasites – Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and other intestinal parasites are often present in dog feces. These can be transmitted to humans and can cause infections.
- Bacteria – Dog waste contains E. coli, Campylobacter and Salmonella bacteria, which can also infect people exposed to it.
- Environmental impact – Fecal coliform and other bacteria can wash into waterways and contaminate groundwater. Dog waste also releases ammonia as it decays.
- Child health – Due to their lower body weight and still-developing immune systems, children are at higher risk of becoming sick if exposed.
The EPA even categorizes dog feces as a dangerous biohazard. Clearly, this is not a harmless issue and requires action.
Preventive Measures
Your first steps should focus on making the trash area less convenient and appealing for lazy dog walkers to dump their pet’s waste. There are several ways to achieve this:
Restrict Access
If your bins are easily accessible from the sidewalk or street, it’s simpler for people to quickly discard poop bags without having to enter your property. Make it more difficult by:
- Storing bins in garages or side/back yards
- Building enclosures or barriers around the bins
- Blocking off side paths so the bins can’t be reached from the street
This forces perpetrators to at least trespass to illegally use your bins. It also makes the act more conspicuous.
Use Locking Bins
Secure trash and recycling receptacles have lids that latch to protect the contents. Models with foot pedals also allow hands-free opening when you need to use them. Locking bins help prevent dogs or wildlife from rummaging and scattering trash. They also make it nearly impossible for passing dog walkers to toss in waste bags without unlocking them. Install one (or replace open bins with locking versions) to deter misuse.
Elevate Bins
Raising your bins onto a platform, stand or blocks makes it slightly harder to toss bags into them. People need to lift higher and aim better if they still want to try using them. Elevating bins also keeps them farther from dogs, who might be tempted to sniff around or urinate on them if they can reach. Take things a step farther by adding a dome lid over the platform.
Reduce Odors
Smelly trash cans filled with slowly rotting garbage can attract dogs wanting to investigate the source of the odor. This leads to knocking over bins or leaving urine and feces on them. To curb doggy interest, be diligent about:
- Using tight-sealing bins
- Bagging waste properly before disposal
- Taking trash out frequently
- Regularly disinfecting bins
- Sprinkling baking soda in bins to absorb odors
This removes enticing scents that appeal to canine curiosity and keeps bins hygienic.
Add Lights
Motion-sensing spotlights positioned to illuminate your trash area can discourage after-dark misuse. People trying to stealthily discard dog poop bags are less likely to target a well-lit space where they might be spotted. Lights also deter nocturnal wildlife that might spread waste if able to get into tipped bins. Choose bright, energy efficient LED bulbs.
Use Repellents
Citrus, ammonia, vinegar, chili pepper powder or other pungent odor repellents sprayed around bins can make the area unappealing for dogs to visit. Coffee grounds or pipe tobacco are other potential options. Apply repellents regularly, such as weekly or after rain. Test them first on your own pets to ensure the scents don’t harm or irritate them however.
Set Up Cameras
Security cameras provide 24/7 monitoring and evidence if someone keeps improperly using your bins. Capture clear face shots and activity with HD video quality. Post signs warning that the area is under video surveillance. Trail cameras are weather-resistant, have night vision modes, and can run for months on battery power if hard wiring is difficult. Images or footage of repeat offenders gives proof to take legal action if needed.
Train Dogs
If you have your own dogs, train them to avoid any interest in the external bins. Never allow them access to rummage. Pick up all solid waste immediately from your yard. This sets a good example for neighborhood pets and owners. Your efforts keep bins clean and show you won’t tolerate abuse of your property.
Corrective Measures
Should someone continue to place dog feces on your bins despite preventive actions, further steps can help identify perpetrators and hold them accountable:
Document Evidence
When you discover dog waste bagged or loose on your bins, document it through:
- Photos showing where it was left and other identifying details
- Written notes on the date, time, and specific location
- Eyewitness accounts if anyone observed the act
Evidence establishes a pattern of repeated dumping on your property. Share it with police and local waste management authorities when filing complaints.
Involve Authorities
Most municipalities classify putting dog feces on private bins as illegal dumping or littering. Contact your local police department’s non-emergency number. Make an official report to file charges if possible based on documentation such as camera footage. Waste management departments may also be able to identify and fine offenders. Possible charges can include littering, illegal dumping, trespassing and harassment.
Talk to Neighbors
Politely raise awareness with nearby residents about the problem. Explain your plan to curb it and request help identifying perpetrators. Compassionately appeal to neighbors’ etiquette, health concerns and community pride. Peer disapproval can effectively motivate change in potential offenders. Distribute educational flyers reminding that pet waste harms water quality and spreads disease.
Mail It Back
As a legal but disgusting deterrent, scoop any waste left on your bin into a zip top bag. Attach a note such as: “You forgot this on my property” and mail it to the offender. Include photo evidence to confirm their identity. This shock tactic alerts them that you know who they are and will retaliate if it continues. Check local laws first, as harassment charges could result.
Public Shaming
Post photos of dog poop on your bins along with the perpetrator’s face, if captured on camera. Circulate these online and in your neighborhood to humiliate them. Public condemnation may discourage repeat behavior more than legal charges. However, consider whether this level of confrontation is morally justified or dangerously provocative before proceeding.
Install Barriers
If a specific neighbor’s dog repeatedly defecates on your bins, erect a physical barrier like fencing or tightly planted shrubbery between your properties. This prevents their pet from accessing your bins to make a mess. Talk to the owner first and give them a chance to correct their dog’s behavior before investing in barriers.
Remove Bins
As a last resort, stop making your trash cans available. Keep them in garages except on actual collection days. Dispose of waste at nearby public bins or facilities. Clearly mark your property as having no public receptacles available with signs to deter use. Inconveniencing yourself minimizes chances of abuse while the problem is corrected.
Conclusion
Finding dog poop where it doesn’t belong is nasty and infuriating. With some practical prevention methods, authorities’ assistance if needed, and conversations with neighbors, you can stop this nuisances and keep your property fresh and clean. Don’t tolerate repeat abuse of your bins. With persistence and some creativity, you can encourage considerate habits in pet owners who were previously oblivious or lazy. A coordinated community effort is the most effective approach.
| Preventive Measures | Corrective Measures |
|---|---|
| Restrict Access | Document Evidence |
| Use Locking Bins | Involve Authorities |
| Elevate Bins | Talk to Neighbors |
| Reduce Odors | Mail It Back |
| Add Lights | Public Shaming |
| Use Repellents | Install Barriers |
| Set Up Cameras | Remove Bins |
| Train Dogs |