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Why make a dog poop composter?
Dog waste can pile up quickly and contribute to pollution and unpleasant odors if not disposed of properly. Composting dog poop allows you to safely recycle it into an environmentally friendly fertilizer for your garden or yard. Making your own dog poop composter is an easy DIY project that helps reduce waste while providing a natural fertilizing product.
What are the benefits of composting dog poop?
– Reduces waste going into landfills
– Recycles nutrients back into the soil
– Eliminates odors that come with improperly disposed dog poop
– Produces a free, organic fertilizer for your yard or garden
– Kills parasites, bacteria, and weed seeds found in dog feces through the composting process
– More environmentally friendly than using plastic bags and sending waste to landfills
What do you need to build a dog poop composter?
The basic materials needed are:
– A compost or trash bin, approximately 1 cubic yard in size
– Landscape fabric or mesh screening to line the bottom of the bin
– Bokashi powder or compost activator
Optional materials:
– Wood pallets, cinder blocks, or other material to elevate the composter
– A compost turner tool to mix the compost
– A cover or lid for the composter
Here is an example of materials needed:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Compost bin | 1 cubic yard tumbling composter, or a lidded trash can |
| Landscape fabric | To line the bottom of the bin and allow for aeration |
| Bokashi powder | Compost activator containing microorganisms |
| Wood pallets (optional) | To elevate the composter off the ground |
| Compost turner (optional) | Tool to mix and aerate the compost |
| Lid or cover (optional) | To contain odors and moisture |
Where should you put the dog poop composter?
Ideally, the composter should be located:
– In a partially shaded spot, protected from excess sun or rain
– In an accessible area for easy use, near where the dog poops
– On an absorbent, level surface like grass or gravel
– Elevated above the ground if possible
– Away from vegetable gardens or children’s play areas
– In an area with good airflow to aid decomposition
Make sure to consider any homeowners association rules, local ordinances, or neighbor preferences when siting your composter.
How do you prepare the compost bin?
1. Select a compost tumbler, lidded trash can, or other 1 cubic yard container. Dark plastic bins help generate and retain heat to speed decomposition.
2. Drill or poke holes in the sides and lid for airflow.
3. Line the bottom with landscape fabric to allow for drainage and aeration.
4. Optionally, place your bin on wood pallets, cinder blocks, or other materials to elevate it above the ground.
5. Decide if you will actively mix and maintain your compost, or take a more passive approach. Active maintenance with turning produces compost faster.
6. Layer 2-4 inches of high-carbon “browns” at the bottom such as sawdust, wood chips, straw, or dried leaves. This helps with drainage and counters the high nitrogen of dog poop.
What is the process for composting dog waste?
1. With each poop, spread a liberal amount of bokashi powder or compost activator over the waste to introduce beneficial microbes.
2. Optionally, cover with a bit of leaves, sawdust, or yard waste to help balance the carbon and nitrogen ratio.
3. Keep the compost moist like a wrung-out sponge. Water occasionally if needed.
4. Turn or mix the pile weekly if taking an active approach to composting. Otherwise, let it sit undisturbed.
5. After 3-6 months, the compost should be dark, crumbly, and odorless.
6. Allow the finished compost to cure for 2-4 weeks before use.
7. Use the compost around non-edible ornamentals, trees, shrubs, and lawns. Do not use on edibles.
Troubleshooting problems
Odors: Add more carbon, turn the pile, or add lime.
Pile too wet: Mix in dry leaves, sawdust, or straw.
Pile too dry: Water or add fresh manure.
Slow decomposition: Turn the pile, add nitrogen, or use an activator.
Conclusion
Composting dog poop is an easy and eco-friendly solution for many dog owners. To make your own dog poop composter, collect the needed materials, choose an appropriate location, prepare the bin, and follow the composting steps. Turning the compost pile weekly versus a more hands-off approach depends on your desired time investment. In just a few months, you can safely produce organic fertilizer for your yard or garden with minimal waste and pollution. Give dog poop composting a try!