With Auckland Council's food scraps bin rollout now covering most of the city, one of the most common questions we hear from dog owners is: "Can I put dog poo in the green bin?"
The short answer is no. Dog waste absolutely cannot go in your food scraps (green lid) bin. But don't worry — we'll walk you through exactly what Auckland Council says, why the rule exists, and the best ways to dispose of your dog's waste responsibly.
Auckland Council's Rule: Dog Poo Goes in General Rubbish
Auckland Council is very clear on this one. The food scraps collection bin (the one with the green lid) is designed for:
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Meat, fish, and bones
- Dairy products
- Bread, rice, and pasta
- Tea bags and coffee grounds
What it is not designed for includes:
- Dog and cat waste
- Nappies
- Sanitary products
- Garden waste
- Liquids
Dog poo must go in your general rubbish bin (the red lid bin) — bagged and tied. This is non-negotiable under Auckland Council's waste management guidelines.
Why Can't Dog Poo Go in the Food Scraps Bin?
The food scraps collected through Auckland's green bin system are sent to commercial composting facilities. These facilities process organic waste into compost that is used on gardens, parks, and farms across the region.
Dog waste creates several problems in this process:
Pathogens and Parasites
Dog faeces contain harmful bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter) and parasites (roundworm, hookworm, Giardia) that are not reliably destroyed in standard commercial composting. The temperatures needed to kill these pathogens are higher than what food scraps composting typically achieves.
Contamination Risk
If the resulting compost contains dog waste pathogens, it could contaminate soil, waterways, and food crops. This is a public health risk that Auckland Council takes seriously.
Processing Issues
Dog waste also introduces different microbial communities that can disrupt the composting process, affecting the quality of the final product.
The Correct Way to Dispose of Dog Poo
Here are the approved and recommended methods for dealing with your dog's waste in Auckland:
1. General Rubbish Bin (Red Lid)
This is the standard method. Pick up the waste using a bag, tie it securely, and place it in your general rubbish bin. Simple and effective.
2. Biodegradable Bags
If you're environmentally conscious (and you should be), use certified compostable or biodegradable poo bags. While these will still go to landfill via the red bin, they break down faster than standard plastic bags. Look for bags certified to AS 4736 or EN 13432 standards.
3. Dog Waste Composting (at Home)
You can compost dog waste at home, but it requires a dedicated system separate from your regular garden compost. A dog waste composter (sometimes called a "doggy dunnies" system) works like a mini septic tank buried in your garden. Key rules:
- Never use dog waste compost on vegetable gardens or fruit trees
- Keep it well away from waterways and water tanks
- Add a septic starter or enzyme to speed up breakdown
- Only use the resulting compost on ornamental gardens, if at all
This method requires commitment and space, which is why most Auckland dog owners stick with the red bin.
4. Flush It
Some dog owners flush their dog's waste down the toilet. While this is technically acceptable (the waste goes through the same treatment as human waste), you need to be careful:
- Only flush the waste itself, not the bag
- Don't flush large volumes at once
- Avoid if you're on a septic system
5. Professional Removal Service
This is where services like Backyard Buddies come in. We collect all the waste from your yard and handle the disposal responsibly, so you don't have to think about it. It's the most convenient and hygienic option, especially for households with multiple dogs.
What About Public Spaces?
When you're out walking your dog in Auckland's parks and reserves, the rules are straightforward:
- Always pick up after your dog
- Use the dog waste bins provided in most parks
- If no bin is available, bag it and take it home for your general rubbish
- Failing to pick up after your dog in a public space can result in a $300 infringement fine under Auckland Council's Dog Management Bylaw
The Environmental Impact
Many dog owners underestimate the environmental impact of improperly disposed waste. A single gram of dog faeces can contain up to 23 million faecal coliform bacteria. When left on the ground or disposed of incorrectly, this bacteria can:
- Wash into stormwater drains and end up in Auckland's harbours and beaches
- Contaminate local waterways and streams
- Contribute to algal blooms that harm aquatic ecosystems
- Create health risks for children playing in parks and backyards
Proper disposal isn't just about keeping your yard tidy — it's about protecting Auckland's environment.
The Bottom Line
To sum it up: dog poo goes in the red bin, never the green bin. If you want to go the extra mile, use biodegradable bags or explore a dedicated home composting system. And if you'd rather not deal with it at all, that's exactly what we're here for.
Backyard Buddies handles the collection and disposal of all dog waste from your property, so your yard stays clean and you stay compliant with Auckland's waste rules. Explore our services to find a plan that fits your household.