How to Build a Dog-Friendly Compost Bin at Home

Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world – with nearly 9 million dogs generating mountains of poo each year. If you’re an Aussie dog owner, you know that dealing with doggy doo is part of daily life. Unfortunately, most of those little bags of poop end up mummified in plastic in landfill, where they decompose without oxygen and release methane.

The good news is there’s a better way: composting your dog’s waste at home. In this guide, we’ll show you how to build a dog-friendly compost bin, explain home composting vs council green waste options, discuss safety must-knows, and explore different composting methods. Let’s turn that pup’s poop into something positive while keeping our gardens and community safe!

Home Composting vs Council Green Waste

Council green bins (FOGO) are an easy and safe route for composting if your council accepts pet waste. Not all do, so check your local guidelines. If not, a home dog poo composter is a rewarding DIY solution to reduce landfill impact. Just remember that composting pet waste at home demands careful attention to safety – but don’t worry, we’ll walk through exactly how to do it.

Step-by-Step: Build Your Own Dog-Friendly Compost Bin

What You’ll Need:

• Container with lid (60L plastic drum or garbage bin)
• Drill and saw
• Gravel or pebbles
• Shovel
• Starter compost and optional worms
• Compost accelerator (like EnsoPet Starter)
• Home-compostable dog poo bags (Bag It Wag It recommended)

1. Choose a Location

Pick a well-drained, out-of-the-way spot in your yard, away from edible plants or play areas. Ensure it gets some sunlight and is easily accessible.

2. Prepare the Bin

Remove the bottom of your bin, drill holes in the sides for ventilation, and make sure the lid seals tightly. These features promote decomposition and keep odours down.

3. Install the Bin In-Ground

Dig a hole deep enough to bury the bin with only the lid visible. Add gravel at the bottom for drainage. Place the bin, backfill soil around it, and tamp it down firmly.

4. Kickstart the Compost

Add soil or compost as a microbial starter. Optionally add worms and compost accelerator to get things going and control odours.

5. Add Dog Waste (and Cover Each Deposit)

Collect waste using Bag It Wag It compostable bags and add to the bin. Cover each deposit with dry material like sawdust or leaves and some starter mix. Always secure the lid afterward.

6. Monitor and Maintain the Compost

Turn the compost every few weeks to aerate. Ensure the contents stay damp but not soaked. Warmer bins break down faster, so place in sun if possible.

7. When the Bin Fills Up…

Stop adding waste and let it rest for several months, or start a second bin while the first one finishes. Once composted, bury the material or use it on non-edible plants.

Other Composting Options

• Compost Tumblers: Good for patios and small yards, easy to turn but lower capacity.
• Bokashi: Ferments pet waste in a sealed bin. Fast, compact, great for small spaces.
• Worm Farms: Work well but avoid if your dog is on deworming meds. Best for low waste volume.
• Commercial Units: Like EnsoPet or Doggie Dooley for those who prefer ready-made solutions.

Safety Tips for Composting Dog Waste

• Keep compost separate from edible gardens
• Only use compost on ornamental plants
• Handle waste with gloves and wash hands
• Let compost age for at least 6-12 months before use

Certified Compostable Bags Matter

Only use compostable bags certified to AS5810 for home composting. Bag It Wag It bags meet this standard and break down safely alongside dog waste. 

A Greener Way to Deal with Dog Doo

By composting your dog’s waste, you reduce landfill, cut greenhouse gases, and help nourish the soil. With a little effort, your dog’s poop can go from smelly problem to sustainable solution.

Ready to Get Started?

Bag It Wag It makes composting easy. Our 100% home-compostable poo bags meet AS5810 standards and work perfectly in DIY or commercial compost bins.

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