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Forum Name: Healthy Home
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Dog poop in compost? 
Rugrat
posted Jan 25, 2007 10:34:28 AMTo All
Was wondering in a garden compost if dog feces maybe added. I ask this because I have a relatively small yard yet it is shared by three dogs and trying to recycle as much as possible. As as one can see have never composted so forgive my ignorance but would like to start.
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Does... 
Gaiam Staff
posted Jan 25, 2007 11:21:53 AMTo All

No, dog or any other kind of animal waste should not go into compost. In some cases, where there is a larger industrial method of making compost, and the temperatures get very high, maybe it is OK. But for us normal composters, animal waste is a very bad idea.

Hope that answers your question!!
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Dog poop in compost? 
BlueSky
posted Jan 25, 2007 12:30:15 PMTo All
For more tips on getting started with compostinng, check out Got Compost? 5 FAQs on Making Compost in Your Yard
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Dog poop in compost? 
DrDorothy
posted Mar 4, 2007 10:18:02 AMTo All
I would not rule out composting dog or other animal wastes with such vigor and certainty! I would recommend acquiring and reading The Humanure Handbook: A Guide to Composting Human Manure, by Joseph Jenkins, available online through Gaiam Real Goods.  The scientific evidence he presents for the safety and value of composting human manure, done properly, ie, thermophilicly, is convincing -- and we humans are definitely animals.  The author does not have experience with composting dog feces, so cannot address that issue based on his experience.  He does not present scientific data on composting dog feces, per se.  However, the scientific information he presents makes a strong case for properly done thermophilic composting as probably the best ways to destroy pathogens found in feces and urine.  His data also make a very strong case for such composting being safer than leaving the poop on the ground, or even putting it into a septic system or conventional waste treatment system.

It may be a good idea to consult with your vet with regard to what pathogens are found in dog poop that may sicken humans, and then look for them in the Humanure Handbook, to determine what it takes to destroy them (usually a combination of a certain length of time at certain temperatures).  If the pathogens in question are not found in the Humanure Handbook's references, you will have to look elsewhere for that information.   Note that other actions of a healthy compost pile also are very effective in killing pathogens. 

I recommend that you get the book and read it -- and also ask yourself if you are truly able to tend a compost pile adequately to make it thermophilic.

Heck, I recommend everyone get the Humanure Handbook -- it contains some extremely valuable information and myth-busting.

DrDorothy
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Dog poop in compost? 
buxter63
posted Jun 3, 2007 2:04:47 PMTo All
Great information and discussion...on my sister's farm she routinely uses chicken guano and horse and cattle manure for fertilizer on pastures and garden plots.  I wonder if that is safe?
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Dog poop in compost? 
Carla
posted Jun 5, 2007 4:21:25 AMTo All


On Jun 3, 2007 2:04:47 PM buxter63 wrote:

Great information and discussion...on my sister's farm she routinely uses chicken guano and horse and cattle manure for fertilizer on pastures and garden plots.  I wonder if that is safe?



I use horse manure in the garden and in composting.  It is a wonderful natural fertilizer!   It is my understanding that using manure from vegetarian eating animals is absolutely fine.  I have done some research on using dog doo and found that it can be composted, but the temperature has to reach and stay out a higher temp longer.  The Humanure Book would tell you more about how to go about it.  There are often round worm eggs in dog manure that survive for up to ten years in dog doo and that is one of the biggest problems in using it in the garden.  I applaud your recycling efforts.  It's important to use everything we can. 



 
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