Take Action with Pet Waste
These three simple steps provide ways to reduce stormwater pollution that originates from pets, livestock and wild animals.
Scoop the Pet Waste, Then Trash It
When you're out on a walk, picking up after your pet is easy, if you're prepared.
- Carry a plastic bag with you on every walk. There are even compact, refillable bag dispensers that you can attach directly to your dog's leash.
- Once you've collected your dog's waste in the plastic bag, throw it in the trash, never into a storm drain!
- Some parks and recreational areas have courtesy bags and disposal boxes, designed specifically for dog waste.
Pick Up at Home
While it's common courtesy to pick up after your dog when you go on walks, it's also a good idea to pick up at home.
- Regularly scoop the pet waste from your yard and place it in the garbage. Wastes from dogs, cats, and other meat-eating animals should not be placed in a compost pile.
If you have large animals, barnyard and manure management is critical.
Don't Feed Waterfowl
While ducks, geese, and swans love to eat the bread we offer them, it lacks the nutrition of their natural diet and has damaging impacts for local waters.
- Encourage children to be naturalists, observing and taking photos of the birds, instead of feeding them.
Spread the word when you see others feeding waterfowl.
Livestock Manure
Proper Manure Management