Is Pet Waste Harmful to the Environment? (Yes—Here's Why)
- Bryan Granger
- Jul 5
- 3 min read
As a dog owner, it’s easy to assume that your pup’s poop will just break down in the yard like compost or fertilizer. After all, it’s natural… right?
Unfortunately, that’s one of the most common myths we hear at YardBuddy, your trusted pet waste removal service in Hendersonville and Asheville, NC. The truth is, dog waste is not safe for the environment—and when left unchecked, it can actually contribute to pollution, disease, and ecosystem damage.
Let’s break down the science behind this dirty subject and explain why picking up pet waste is critical for the health of your family, your lawn, and your planet.
💩 Dog Poop Is Not Fertilizer
Contrary to popular belief, dog waste doesn’t act like cow manure or compost. Why?
Dogs are omnivores, not herbivores. Their waste is high in nitrogen, protein, and bacteria that are toxic to plants and soil.
When left on grass, dog poop burns your lawn, causes dead spots, and prevents healthy growth.
Instead of enriching your yard, it actually deteriorates the quality of your soil and makes it harder for grass and plants to thrive.
At YardBuddy, we see this damage firsthand in yards all over Hendersonville and Asheville—especially after winter when waste has been left to sit for months.
🦠 Pet Waste Pollutes Local Waterways
Here’s where things get even more serious: when pet waste is not picked up, it doesn’t just sit in your yard. Rainwater washes it into storm drains, which often flow directly into local creeks, streams, and rivers—untreated.
This process introduces:
Fecal bacteria and parasites into public water supplies
Nutrient pollution that causes algae blooms, choking aquatic life
Harmful microorganisms that pose a risk to humans, wildlife, and pets
💧 According to the EPA, pet waste is considered a nonpoint source pollutant—the same category as oil, grease, and toxic chemicals.
For residents of Western North Carolina, this means uncollected dog poop contributes to pollution in Hendersonville’s natural water systems—and ultimately affects the greater environment downstream.
🐾 Health Risks to People, Pets, and Wildlife
Dog poop left in the environment is loaded with harmful pathogens. Just one gram of dog waste can contain over 23 million bacteria including:
E. coli
Salmonella
Giardia
Roundworms and hookworms
These can spread to:
Children playing in the yard
Pets walking or digging in contaminated areas
Other wildlife that come in contact with the waste or polluted water
It’s not just gross—it’s dangerous.
🦟 It Also Attracts Pests
Letting poop sit on your lawn doesn’t just harm the grass—it creates a buffet for unwanted pests:
Flies and maggots
Rodents
Raccoons and coyotes
Mosquitoes (who love waste-laden soil for laying eggs)
These pests can introduce additional disease vectors, increasing the risk of infection in both humans and animals. Keeping your yard waste-free is one of the simplest ways to protect your household from infestations.
🧼 What You Can Do (Hint: Let YardBuddy Help)
The best way to prevent pet waste from harming the environment is simple: clean it up regularly and dispose of it properly.
That’s where YardBuddy comes in.
We offer:
✅ Weekly and twice-weekly pet waste removal
✅ One-time cleanups for overgrown or neglected yards
✅ Eco-friendly handling and disposal practices
✅ Service in Hendersonville, Asheville, and surrounding NC communities
Our trained technicians use sanitized equipment, pet-safe sprays, and proper disposal to keep your yard, your family, and your environment clean.
📍 Serving Environmentally Conscious Homes in Western North Carolina
If you love your dog and the mountains, streams, and green spaces that make Hendersonville and Asheville beautiful, choosing a waste removal service like YardBuddy is a small action with a big impact.
🧡 Why It Matters More Than Ever
With over 90 million dogs in the U.S., the EPA estimates that pet waste adds over 10 million tons of pollution to the environment each year. That’s not a typo.
By taking this one simple step—picking up after your pet or hiring a professional—you’re helping reduce:
Soil and water pollution
Public health risks
Local environmental damage
It’s a win-win for your yard and your community.
📞 Ready to Do Your Part?
Let’s make your yard cleaner—and our environment safer—together.
📲 Call or text us today at (410) 212-3861🌐 Schedule a visit at www.YardBuddyNC.com
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