There are a variety of environmentally responsible ways to manage pet waste.
Flush It
Dog waste can be flushed in the toilet, so it can be treated at a wastewater treatment plant with other sewage. Never flush any bags - even bags labelled 'flushable' or 'biodegradable' - as they'll clog your plumbing and/or the city sewer. Don't put dog waste into a storm sewer, as these carry rain to natural creeks.
Use a Collection Service
There are companies that collect dog waste from private and public spaces. This is a good option for townhouses or apartments where numerous dog owners can cost-share.
Build a Backyard Dog Waste Composter
Dog waste will decompose cleanly and without odour in a composter specifically allocated for dog waste only. The compost can then be used on shrubs and plants only, not on or near your vegetable garden. Also, don't dig below groundwater, and if you live near a stream place your composter away from the stream as the runoff can contain damaging nutrients (i.e. phosphorous, nitrogen). Get instructions for building a dog waste composter or look at City Farmer's instruction photos.
Garbage
Pet waste is listed as prohibited from the region's garbage, but small amounts are accepted - preferably double-bagged - and put in the next pick-up. We want to limit the amount of dog waste going to the landfill, as it’s potentially hazardous to staff and produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. On warm days it smells in bags, the garbage bin and work places. We encourage the alternatives listed above.
Other Pet Waste
Hamsters and Rabbits etc.
There are several ways to deal with their poo. You can either flush, compost or put them in the garbage. The remaining loose litter (sawdust, corn husks, wood shavings, newsprint) can be composted or placed in your green can.
Cats
Cat poo can contain a parasite Toxoplasma gondii linked to the disease toxoplasmosis - it's unsafe for people, especially pregnant women. All cat litter (even litter sold as flushable) can clog the sewers and should not be flushed. Cat waste should not be flushed, handled (always wear gloves to clean a litter box), or composted. Dispose of it, bagged, in the garbage.
In 2016 the City audited of the contents of public trash bins, and found a high percentage of dog waste compared to other waste materials. While small amounts of dog waste are permitted through the regular waste collection, large amounts are harmful to public health and the environment. Dog waste is more effectively treated through the regional wastewater (sewage) treatment plant.
In 2017, the City started a pilot program by placing red ‘Dog Waste Only’ bins in off-leash parks. The pilot program was so successful that it's been expanded to over 40 bins located throughout the City.
In 2020, just over 46 tons of dog waste were diverted from the landfill. City staff continue to monitor the program and may expand it as required.