No matter how much you love your cat, there is nothing fun about scooping out their litter box. It’s smelly, but you have to do it at least twice a day, and depending on how many cats you own, used litter can be heavy.
There’s also the matter of disposal. Used cat litter isn’t just stinky; it can also pollute the environment and cause damage if you’re not careful. In this article, we talk about the safest options when it comes to disposing of your cat’s used litter.
The 4 Ways to Safely Dispose of Used Cat Litter
1. Bag and Bin It
The classic and most straightforward method for disposing of used cat litter is to bag it up and toss it in the trash. Use biodegradable or compostable bags to reduce your environmental impact. Simply scoop the soiled litter into the bag, tie it securely, and place it in your garbage bin—done!
2. Compost It (With Caution)
Certain types of cat litter are made from biodegradable material that can be composted because it can break down better compared to clay or synthetic types. However, remember to create a separate compost pile for pet waste, as cat feces can contain harmful parasites. Never use this compost on edible plants or in vegetable gardens. It’s best suited for ornamental plants or flower beds.
If you’re interested in compostable cat litter, look for products made from these materials:
- Sawdust
- Wood shavings/pellets
- Walnut shells
- Other plant-based options, like wheat, grass, straw, tofu, corn, and paper
3. Try Vermicomposting
Vermicomposting is a process that uses worms to break down organic waste, including certain types of used cat litter. To do this, set up a separate worm bin with bedding and food scraps for the worms. Add the soiled biodegradable litter, and let the worms work their magic. As with regular composting, it’s important not to use this compost on anything you plan to eat.
4. Look For a Green Waste Bin
Some communities offer green waste bins for yard trimmings and other compostable materials. If your cat litter is biodegradable, you may be able to dispose of it in your local green waste bin. Be sure to check your local regulations, as policies on pet waste disposal can vary.
Why You Should Never Flush Used Cat Litter
Being able to flush used litter would make life so easy, wouldn’t it? Unfortunately, doing it will only cause trouble.
Cat litter, especially the clumping clay kind, is highly absorbent, so it can swell up and clog your plumbing. Even litter marketed as flushable may not break down fully, so you probably shouldn’t take the risk.
There is also the environmental risk to think about. Cat feces can contain tons of bacteria and parasites. Flushing them down the toilet directly introduces these contaminants to your local waterways. Aside from harming aquatic life, they can also pollute water sources like rivers and lakes.
Environmental Impact of Cat Litter
Different types of cat litter can affect the environment in different ways. Let’s take clay cat litter as an example. It is affordable and great for clumping. However, it is very bad for the environment due to destructive mining practices and high energy use to produce, not to mention its accumulation in landfills since it is not biodegradable.
Better alternatives are made from renewable resources like wood, corn, recycled paper, and wheat. These are more sustainable cat litter options because they are broken down more naturally and reduce waste. Opt for plant-based, biodegradable cat litter materials that are sustainably sourced for a small but impactful way to reduce your ecological footprint.
Conclusion
Disposing of used cat litter is a necessary evil of owning these furry cuties. No matter what kind of litter you use, the easiest way to do get rid of it is by bagging the used litter and throwing it in the trash. If you have the time and inclination to do so, you can also try composting your used litter, as long as it’s biodegradable.
No matter what you do, never flush used cat litter down the toilet. You are not just destroying your plumbing, but you will wreak havoc on your surroundings too.
Related Reads:
- How to Dispose of Cat Litter Without Plastic Bags: 6 Vet-Verified Tips & Tricks
- Can You Use Kitty Litter for Oil Spills? Alternative Uses, Tips & Tricks
Featured Image Credit: Mr.Piya Meena, Shutterstock
The 4 Ways to Safely Dispose of Used Cat Litter
4 Responses
I currently use cat litter lightweight general type no dust
but after removing the cat waste
should I dispose of the used litter into a seperst bag and put in garbage for regular pickup days ???
Yes Celestia, you should absolutely scoop the cat waste and any clumps into a separate, small plastic bag, tie it tightly to seal in odors and bacteria, and place it directly into your regular household garbage can for standard pickup days. Never flush lightweight clay litter down the toilet, as it is designed to expand and absorb moisture, which will quickly clog your plumbing and severely damage septic or city sewage systems. Additionally, because cat waste can carry a microscopic parasite called Toxoplasma gondii that survives wastewater treatment and harms local marine wildlife, sealing it securely in a trash bag destined for a landfill is the absolute safest and most environmentally responsible method of disposal.
Can I pour used Scoop Away (Costco) kitty litter along the base of our fencing in order to discourage small animals from coming into the yard?
It is not recommended. Cats are the definitive host of Toxoplasma gondii a microscopic parasite shed in the feces of even healthy-looking cats, that can infect various animals, including humans. This poses a particular risk to wildlife and individuals with compromised immune systems. Besides, cat urine smell might repel mice if they are not infected with Toxoplasma gondii, but it may also attract other wildlife like Raccoons, opossums, or skunks. The clay itself will mess with your garden's ecosystem.