A dog uses hundreds of poo bags a year, so it is worth choosing them well. The problem is that bag labels are confusing, and some “eco” bags are no better than ordinary plastic. Here’s what the labels mean in Australia and what to do with a full bag.
Compostable vs biodegradable: what the labels mean
| Label | What it means | Worth buying? |
|---|---|---|
| Certified home compostable (AS 5810) | Tested to break down in a backyard compost heap or bin at normal temperatures. Look for the home-compostable logo. | Yes, if you compost dog waste at home in a dedicated system |
| Certified commercially compostable (AS 4736) | Tested to break down in hot, industrial composting facilities. Look for the Australasian Bioplastics Association seedling logo. | Better than plastic, but only composts if it reaches a facility that accepts it |
| “Biodegradable” (no standard) | Not a regulated claim. Some of these are ordinary plastic with additives that make it break into smaller pieces. | Avoid unless it also carries a certification |
| Recycled plastic | Made from recycled plastic, but still plastic, and still goes to landfill. | A reasonable middle option |
Always check that a certification logo is genuine. The Australasian Bioplastics Association lists certified products on its website.
Can dog poo go in the green or FOGO bin?
Usually not, even in a certified compostable bag. Many councils, including several in Victoria, ask residents to keep pet waste out of food and garden organics (FOGO) bins, because organics are sorted by hand and pet waste is a health hazard for workers. Rules differ between councils, so check your own council’s bin guide. If yours doesn’t accept it, a full bag goes in the general rubbish bin.
That still makes a certified compostable bag a reasonable choice: it avoids adding long-lived plastic, and it lets you switch to home composting later.
Composting dog poo at home
You can compost dog waste at home, but keep it separate from the compost you use on food plants, because dog faeces can carry parasites and bacteria that affect people.
- Use a dedicated system, such as an in-ground pet waste digester or a separate compost bin used only for pet waste.
- Put it somewhere away from vegetable gardens and waterways.
- Use the finished compost only around ornamental plants, never on food crops.
- Pick up and bin waste from dogs that are sick or on worming treatment rather than composting it.
Other ways to cut waste
- Use the smallest bag that does the job. Many dogs only need a small bag, not a full-size one.
- Buy refill rolls without extra plastic dispensers or packaging.
- Always pick up, wherever you are. Dog waste left on the ground washes into stormwater drains and creeks, and most councils can fine owners who don’t clean up after their dog.
For more ways to cut waste across toys, bedding, cleaning and food, see our guide to eco-friendly pet products in Australia.