How to Make a Septic System for Dogs

Use a dog waste septic system for efficient yard cleanup.

A dog waste septic system is an ideal alternative to putting bags of dog waste in your trash each week. For communities where dog waste is not allowed in trash bins, a dog waste septic system is a low-cost, simple alternative. Although dog waste septic systems are available at pet supply stores, making one takes only a few steps.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Plastic garbage can or compost bin with a lid
• Septic starter
• Drill
• Utility knife

Instructions

1. Dig a hole in your yard that is well away from vegetable gardens. The hole should be about 3 feet deep and 3 feet wide or large enough to accommodate a plastic garbage can or compost bin.

2. Cut the bottom out of a plastic garbage can or compost bin with a utility knife.

3. Drill several holes in the sides of the garbage can or compost bin with a drill.

4. Place the garbage can into the hole you dug and toss a few large rocks into the bottom for better drainage. The top of the garbage can should be flush to the ground so that the lid fits easily.

5. Place pet waste in the hole as you clean your yard. Add septic starter or dog stool digester available at hardware stores or pet supply stores along with a little water.

6. Replace the lid.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't want to use a garbage can or compost bin, just dig the hole and place a lid on top. If you have sandy soil that tends to cave in, line the hole with ½ inch hardware cloth.

• Add chopped yard waist, both green and brown, to speed up the decomposing process.

• Do not use composted dog waste on vegetable gardens.

References

• City Farmer: Pet Waste Composting