Research
EPWN seeks knowledge to inform efforts to reduce pet waste to landfill. Our volunteers investigate, experiment, discover and interpret available information to help support individuals and communities that want to repurpose pet waste.
There are limited large, well-designed, science-based studies with definitive answers. The good news is that there are a wide variety of examples where the work of others can help guide people interested in this field.
This information can be useful in making a case for re-purposing dog and cat poop in eco-friendly ways in your community. You can refer to them when considering a project, applying for grants, or advocating for public funding, policy or regulation changes.
EPWN vets the source validity of original documents but does not endorse study procedures or results, leaving the viewer to evaluate the information as it applies to real-time projects.
Reports, publications
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A Critical Review - Household dog fecal composting: Current issues and future directions, Emily Bryson, Amie Anastasi, Lisa Bricknell, Ryan Kift. Integrated Environmental and Assessment Management, 2024
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Composting Dog Waste, Alaska "how to" booklet (Fairbanks AK US)
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Comprehensive management of dog faeces: Composting versus anaerobic digestion Journal of Environmental Management, November 2019
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Cat Litter and Dog Feces: Compost or Waste? Jason Hofman, Ph.D 2010 (Halifax, NS CAN)
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Composting for Animal Shelters and Kennels Matthew Stevens 2001
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Comparative Study of the Potential of Dog Waste for Biogas Production, E.C. Okoroigwe, CC.N. Ibeto, and G. Okpara, University of Nigeria
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Nutrient fertilization by dogs in peri-urban ecosystems Pieter De Frenne, Mathias Cougnon, Geert P. J. Janssens, Pieter Vangansbeke, 2022
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What do Australians do with their dog poo? A survey of dog-owning household practices and attitudes, Emily Bryson, Amie Anastasi, Lisa Bricknell, Ryan Kift. Australasian Journal of Environmental Management, 2024
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Composting of kitchen waste and pet feces: quality and effect on vegetable germination and growth, Dalia Carbonel and Tessy Luciano, Enfoque Ute Revista, Vol. 14 No. 3 (2023)
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Do Not Throw Pet Faeces Away: Composted Manures Obtained from Dog and Cat Faeces Contain High Nutrients and Effectively Cultivate Plants, Suwit Wuthisuthimethavee, Jindarha Prempramote, Worakan Boonhoh, Athakorn Promwee, Orachun Hayakijkosol, Tuempong Wongtawan, Walailak University, The Centre for Academic Services, Walailak University, Thailand, and James Cook University, Australia, 2024
Trial projects
Municipal, council studies
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Dog Owner Behaviors Regarding Pet Waste (Boulder, Colorado US)
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Comparative Analysis of Dog Waste Processing Methods for Metro Vancouver (Vancouver, British Columbia CAN)
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Dog Off Leash Area Strategy (Surrey, British Columbia CAN)
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2006 Parks Waste Audit - Final Report (Toronto, Ontario CAN, parks litter stream = 23-27% pet waste)
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Design, Testing and Implementation of a Large-Scale Urban Dog Waste Composting Program (Montreal, Quebec CAN)
Data, surveys
Student projects
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A message for dog and cat owners about eco-friendly steps for managing pet poo, 4-minute video
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Got Cats? Get Worms! (vermicomposting cat waste), Eric Grade 12, Louisiana - 2005 American Museum of Natural History Young Naturalist Award Winner