Flushable Dog Poop Bags: Are They Good For The Environment?

Doody duty is never fun, but it's especially unpleasant when you have to deal with your dog's poop on a windy day. You can make the process a little less icky by using a flushable dog poop bag. But are these bags actually good for the environment? Let's take a look.

What Are Flushable Dog Poop Bags?

Flushable dog poop bags are, as the name suggests, bags that can be flushed down the toilet. These bags are made of a material that is designed to break down in water, so that they won't clog up your plumbing.

These dog poop bags are marketed as being more environmentally-friendly than traditional plastic bags. After all, they can be flushed down the toilet, where they'll ultimately end up in a sewage treatment plant. And once they're at the plant, the flushable bags will break down, right?

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Are you still using plastic bags to pick up your dog's poop? These take around 50 years to degrade. 

Better use compostable dog poop bags.

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Do Flushable Bags Break Down Just Like Toilet Paper?

Not exactly. While it's true that flushable dog poop bags will eventually break down, it can take months – even years – for that to happen.

In the meantime, the bags can clog up sewage systems and cause all sorts of problems.

In fact, flushable dog poop bags are one of the most common causes of sewer backups and overflows. In fact, the city of New York had to pay a $18 billion dollar bill to unclog the city's pipes, clogged with flushable wipes.

So, while flushable dog poop bags may be more convenient for you, they're not necessarily better for the environment. In fact, they can actually cause a lot of harm.

Read: Compost Dog Poop: The Only Guide You Will Use

Do Flushable Dog Poop Bags Actually Break Down?

As we mentioned before, flushable dog poop bags are made of a material that is designed to break down in water. However, just because a material is designed to break down doesn't mean that it will actually do so.

Flushable dog poop bags are made of a material called polyvinylidene chloride, or PVDC. PVDC is a type of plastic that is used in a lot of food packaging, like Saran wrap. It's also used in some medical devices, like blood bags.

PVDC is not biodegradable, meaning it will not break down on its own.

However, it is flushable, meaning it will dissolve in water. But just because a material dissolves in water doesn't mean it will actually break down.

For example, table salt will dissolve in water, but it will not break down. Flushable dog poop bags are made of the same material as table salt – PVDC. So, just like table salt, flushable dog poop bags will not break down in water.

In fact, flushable dog poop bags are designed to be durable and long-lasting. That's why they're used in food packaging and medical devices – because they need to be able to withstand a lot of wear and tear. And that's also why flushable dog poop bags can take months – even years – to break down.

So, Should You Flush Dog Poop?

According to the EPA, flushing dog poop might just be the most eco-friendly way to handle your dog waste. However, it doesn't say anything about the use of flushable bags.

However, there are concerns about wastewater treatment plants not being able to process the pathogens found in dog waste, so you can't really do that if your town has a rule against it.

➡️ Check out your city law and also read before the pros and cons of flushing dog poop.

Pros Of Flushable Dog Poop Bags 

For one thing, they're much better for the environment than regular plastic bags. They'll break down eventually, and they won't pollute the earth or harm wildlife if they don't have microplastics.

➡️ Check the labels to be sure about that! Remember that not every biodegradable product is free from Petroleum derivatives.

Another benefit of flushable dog poop bags is that they're just as strong and durable as regular plastic bags. You won't have to worry about them ripping or tearing when you pick up after your pup.

Plus, they're leak-proof, so you won't have to worry about any surprises when you open them up later.

Finally, flushable dog poop bags are more convenient than regular plastic bags. You can simply flush them down the toilet when you're finished using them. There's no need to tie them up and throw them away in the trash. This means less hassle for you and less waste in landfills.

Discover: The Scoop On Doggie Poop And Composting

The Cons Of Flushable Dog Poop Bags

While there are some benefits to using flushable dog poop bags, there are  potential drawbacks to consider as well.

One issue is that some municipalities have strict regulations about what can be flushed down the toilet. So before you start using flushable dog poop bags, be sure to check with your local city or county government to see if there are any restrictions in place.

Another potential problem with flushable dog poop bags is that they may not break down as quickly as advertised. This could lead to clogs in your plumbing if you're not careful.

If you have any doubts about whether your baggie will break down properly, it's always better to play it safe and throw it in the trash instead of taking a chance on clogging your pipes.

Also, don't forget that dog waste contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites. In the event of a sewer overflow event occurring, something that usually happens every year due to heavy rainfalls, electrical malfunctions, or broken sewer lines, the untreated sewage spills into the environment.

As you read, the untreated sewage is released before being cleaned. This could contribute to the contamination of water and land, causing stomach and intestinal diseases.

Flushable Dog Poop Bags: Yes Or No?

Some people argue that flushable dog poop bags are actually bad for the environment. They claim that the bags don't break down properly in sewage systems, and can end up clogging pipes. There's also the argument that flushing dog poop contributes to pollution in waterways.

Others say that flushable dog poop bags are fine to use, and are actually better for the environment than plastic bags. They argue that the bags break down just fine in sewage systems, and that they're a more sustainable option than plastic.

So, what's the verdict? Are flushable dog poop bags good or bad for the environment?

It's hard to say for sure. The jury is still out on this one. However, if you're concerned about the environmental impact of your dog's poop, you might want to consider using a compostable bag instead of a flushable one. That way, you can be sure that your dog's poop won't end up harming the environment.

FAQ

Does Dog Poop Eventually Dissolve?

Dog poop is made up of solid waste, and it will not dissolve in water. However, dog poop can be broken down over time by bacteria and other microorganisms. So while dog poop may not disappear on its own, it will eventually decompose.

Is Dog Poop Harmful To The Environment?

Turns out, dog poop can be quite harmful to the environment. When it rains, dog poop can wash into storm drains and contaminates our waterways. The environment isn't the only one at risk - dog poop can also transmit diseases to other animals, and in some cases, humans. So next time Fido does his business, be sure to pick it up and dispose of it properly. It's not just good manners - it's good for the planet.

How Do You Dispose Of Dog Poop At Home?

There are a few different ways that you can dispose of dog poop at home:

• One option is to simply scoop it up with a shovel and deposit it in the trash. This is definitely the quickest and easiest way to get rid of dog poop, but it may not be the most sanitary option.
• Another option is to flush dog poop down the toilet. This is a more hygienic way to dispose of dog poop, but it can clog your pipes if you're not careful.
• Finally, you can compost dog poop. This is an environmentally-friendly way to dispose of dog poop, but it does take some time and effort. Whichever method you choose, make sure that you do it regularly to keep your yard looking its best.

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