The Environmental Impact of Pet Waste (And What You Can Do)

More Than Just a Backyard Problem

Most people think of pet waste as a minor nuisance — something unsightly that you'd rather not step in. But the environmental impact goes far beyond your backyard, especially here in Florida where our waterways and ecosystems are particularly vulnerable.

The EPA Classification

The Environmental Protection Agency classifies pet waste as a nonpoint source pollutant, placing it in the same category as herbicides, insecticides, oil, grease, and toxic chemicals. That's not an exaggeration — pet waste is genuinely harmful to the environment.

How It Affects Our Water

When pet waste is left on the ground, rain washes it into storm drains, which flow directly into our rivers, lakes, and eventually the ocean. This introduces:

• Excess nutrients that cause algal blooms (a major problem in Florida)
• Harmful bacteria including E. coli and fecal coliform
• Parasites that can survive in water for extended periods

In Volusia County alone, stormwater runoff is a significant contributor to water quality issues in the Halifax River and the Indian River Lagoon.

The Numbers Are Staggering

• The average dog produces about 274 pounds of waste per year
• There are approximately 90 million pet dogs in the US
• That's over 24 billion pounds of pet waste annually
• A single dog's waste can contaminate up to 2 acres of water

What Responsible Pet Parents Can Do

1. Always pick up — whether at home, on walks, or at the park 2. Use biodegradable bags — we use them exclusively at All Elite Poop Patrol 3. Never compost pet waste — it can contain harmful pathogens 4. Schedule regular removal — consistent cleanup prevents accumulation and runoff 5. Support proper disposal — pet waste should go in the trash, not down storm drains

Our Commitment

At All Elite Poop Patrol, environmental responsibility is core to our mission. We use biodegradable bags, eco-friendly deodorizers, and proper disposal methods. Every yard we clean is one less source of environmental contamination.

Together, we can keep our Florida waterways clean — one yard at a time.