Picking up dog poop is gross. But stepping in it is worse. Swimming or fishing in poop-infested waters is even worse. Picking up your pet’s poop helps the environment and that’s the message behind the City of Valparaiso’s new Scoop the Poop Program. “Pet waste is an environmental pollutant which contributes to bacterial and nutrient contamination of our waterways. By educating pet owners, we can help reduce contamination,” said Mingyan Zhou of the city’s Engineering Department. Zhou serves as the city’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Operator.
Zhou wants pet owners to know some basic facts about pet waste:
- Pet waste should be disposed of in the trash, enclosed in a sealed or tied plastic bag.
- It’s unlawful to leave your pet’s waste anywhere outside of the owner’s real property limits, per the Unified Development Ordinance.
- Never dispose of pet waste in a catch basin, storm drain, or on the street.
- Don’t use pet waste as a fertilizer as the bacteria does far more harm than good.
- Don’t add pet waste to a compost pile, as the pile will not get hot enough to kill disease-causing organisms.
The city is working to encourage pet owners to be responsible for picking up their own pet waste. Valparaiso Parks has also partnered with Vale Park Animal Hospital to install pet waste stations in several locations throughout the city, including Fairgrounds Park, Central Park Plaza, and the Cumberland Loop.
Get Your Free Waste Bag Dispenser
The City of Valparaiso is offering free pet waste bag dispensers to those who live within Valparaiso city limits (and pay Valparaiso stormwater fees), while supplies last. The refillable dispensers attach to a pet’s leash and carry biodegradable baggies for picking up pet waste. The dispensers are currently available at Valpo Parks Department office at 3210 Campbell St, City Utilities office at 205 Billings St, and City Hall at 166 Lincolnway. To learn more about this program, visit the city’s MS4 Program website at Valpo.us/MS4 or e-mail MS4@valpo.us.