Are Dog Poop Bags Reusable?

Dog poop is a problem. Whether it’s your own pup or someone else’s, in your backyard or in a public park, it’s a nuisance and a smelly one at that. Cleaning up after your pup, especially in public places, is the responsible thing to do. If you wouldn’t like stepping in your own dog’s poop, someone else doesn’t want to either. Clean it up.

There has however been a large focus on the secondary problem that arises with cleaning up the first problem, and that is the huge amount of plastic it contributes to our fragile environment. If you think about it, most people use non-biodegradable plastic bags to clean up their pet’s biodegradable poop. It seems counterintuitive. There must be a more eco-friendly way to go about the cleaning process. If fabric nappies are reusable, surely dog poop bags could be too?

Many pet product manufacturers have come up with a range of possible solutions for cleaning up your puppy’s poop. Some are more viable than others. There are flushable options, eco-friendly options, and…reusable options!

Flushable Dog Poop Bags

It couldn’t be easier, pick up your puppy’s poop with the bag provided and simply flush it down the loo when you get home. In theory, it sounds great, but there is a problem. You may not be aware but human waste is the only waste that should be flushed. In addition, we’re pretty sure you’ll be racking up a serious plumbing bill in the near future with this option.

Eco-Friendly Poop Scoops

Yes, there are actually poop scoops made from cardboard that you can use to scoop and toss your pup’s business. The disposable recycled cardboard container is accompanied by a cardboard scoop. You use the little scooper to push the dog’s waste into the funnel part, fold it closed and throw it in the closest trash can. It’s not reusable, but it does get a thumbs up as a step away from plastic.

The Reusable Option

This invention involves a nylon disc on which your dog’s poop is collected. A drawstring is pulled that encloses the disc so you can carry it home, mess-free. Once home, you empty the contents, wash the disk, and reuse it. The mere thought of this option raises many questions. How do you prevent anything squishy from leaking out while you carry it? How do you collect the poop successfully in the bag and how do you empty it without things getting on your hands?

Why Safe Disposal Is Important

Dog poop contains a high amount of bacteria which means you need to take care to stay hygienic when disposing of it. It contains several types of microorganisms that are potentially pathogenic for humans and may also contain parasites. Pet poop can also contaminate waterways, cause algal bloom and harm the environment causing beaches to be shut for swimming or shellfishing until the contamination has cleared.

Can you reuse dog poop bags? You probably could. Do we recommend you reuse dog poop bags? No, we don’t. Some things in life are just not meant to be used more than once.