Scoop the Poop

Three people with three dogs picking up poop and putting it in the trash.

Guess what? There are over 73,000 dogs in Mecklenburg County. These lovable pets produce more than 55,000 pounds of waste every day. (That’s 20 million pounds a year! Yikes!) 

Just one gram of waste can contain over 20 million bacteria. Think about pet waste like raw sewage, because that’s what it is! Gross, right? When it is left on the ground, rain can wash it off of lawns and sidewalks, through storm drains and straight into local creeks and lakes. This whole cycle poses a potential risk of infection in other pets, wildlife and people - especially children, who live and play near creeks. 

Bagging up pet waste removes the chance of exposure to harmful bacteria and helps protect the environment.

Facts about dogs and poop. 73,000+ dogs in Mecklenburg County, 55,000 pounds of waste every day, 20 million pounds of waste every year, 181 quadrillion bacteria in a year's worth of waste.

It’s not just gross. It’s a serious health risk!

Some people think that pet waste is helpful for plants because it contains nutrients (like fertilizer or compost). However, this is a myth! Pet waste contains a number of harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites that negatively impact humans, other pets and the environment.

Pet waste can contain E. Coli, Salmonella, Roundworms, Giardia, Coccidia and Tapeworms.

Risks to our waterways, people and pets

  • Dog waste contains high levels of bacteria, viruses and parasites that pollute water and can harm humans.
  • Polluted water harms wildlife in and around the waterways that rely on it.
  • Even after visible decay, parasite eggs can remain infectious in soil for years.
  • All land in Mecklenburg County drains to a natural waterway - everything is connected!

Facts and myths

Myth: Wild animals poop outside. It’s the same thing!

Fact: Urban pet waste adds far more concentrated bacteria than wildlife. Plus, dogs eat processed food that creates waste with different nutrient loads and pathogens.

Myth: It’s just one dog. It’s not a big deal.

Fact: One dog might not seem like much, but there are 73,529 registered dogs in Mecklenburg County! Together they produce an estimated 27,000+ tons of waste per year.

Myth: If it’s in the woods or far from the street, it’s fine.

Fact: Even poop in wooded areas or backyards can be washed into nearby creeks during storms. All land in Mecklenburg County drains to a natural waterway!

Myth: Leaving poop on the ground isn’t breaking any rules.

Fact: Actually, there is a local code that prohibits failing to remove feces deposited by a dog (Chapter 3, Article III, Section 3-69, part a.9) and this violation is subject to a civil citation and penalty starting at $50 for the 1st offense. Read the full ordinance.

Myth: Dog poop just breaks down naturally!

Fact: Pet waste doesn't just "go away" — it’s full of harmful bacteria like E. coli that can pollute our streams when it rains. Rain washes uncollected poop off lawns and sidewalks, through storm drains, and straight into local creeks and lakes — no filters, no treatment. Do your part: Scoop it. Bag it. Trash it.

Myth: Dog poop is natural — it’s just like fertilizer!

Fact: Unlike cow manure, dog waste contains high levels of bacteria, viruses, and parasites that pollute water, not help plants grow. It can carry E. coli, Giardia, roundworms, and more. It’s also very acidic in nature which can discolor, burn and kill grass and plants.

Be a “doo-gooder”: How pet owners can help

Do your part as a pet owner to dispose of pet waste quickly and responsibly!

Green Check Mark Be prepared: always carry bags on walks or in your car or bag.    
Green Check Mark Scoop it: even in your own yard, scoop poop and dispose of it, bagged in a trash can.    
Green Check Mark Bag it up: use the baggie like a glove, scoop the poop, and seal the bag.    
Green Check Mark Throw it away: put all bagged waste in a trash can!    

 

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