Cleaner Parks: Smart Eco-Pet Waste & Bio-Bags

The Importance of Pet Waste Stations

We’ve all seen it: a beautiful walking trail or open field with just one lonely pet waste station at the far end. When bags and trash cans aren’t convenient, people are less likely to use them—no matter how many signs we put up. That’s not always laziness; it’s often just human nature. If you’re out walking your dog and there’s no station in sight, the odds of carrying a full bag for half a mile aren’t great.

Strategic Placement of Stations

That’s why thoughtful placement matters. We’ve found that spacing stations every tenth of a mile in high-traffic areas makes a real difference. Near entrances, along paths, and close to benches or rest stops are the sweet spots. When stations are easy to spot and easy to reach, dog owners are much more likely to do the right thing. The result? Less waste on the ground, cleaner trails and lawns, fewer complaints from parkgoers, and a healthier environment overall.

Swapping Plastic for Bio-Based Bags

Of course, stations are only as good as the supplies they offer. Traditional dog waste bags are made from 100% plastic, which means they’re derived entirely from fossil fuels. Once they’re tossed, they’ll stick around in a landfill for hundreds of years.

The Benefits of Bio-Based Bags

That’s why more parks are making the switch to 38% bio-based bags. These bags are made partly from renewable plant materials like sugarcane. They rely less on fossil fuels and come with a lower carbon footprint. They’re certified through the USDA BioPreferred® Program, which means you can trust that they’re the real deal, not just “greenwashed” plastic.

Here’s the cool part: By switching to bio-based bags, you’re not just making an environmental gesture. You’re reducing emissions, supporting sustainable agriculture, and aligning your park operations with broader climate goals—all without asking dog owners to change anything about their routine.

Working Together for a Cleaner, Greener Park

At the end of the day, managing dog waste isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about stewardship. When we place pet waste stations where they’re needed and stock them with better bags, we make it easier for park visitors to take care of the spaces we all share. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. One station at a time. One bag at a time. And one small shift that, multiplied across parks and communities, really does move the needle.

Partnering for Success

If you’re looking to upgrade your park’s pet waste setup or switch to USDA Certified 38% bio-based bags, we’d love to help you figure out a plan that works for your team, your park layout, and your sustainability goals.

CoPS on Doody helps parks and recreation professionals across Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland, and Atlanta build cleaner, greener pet waste programs using smarter station placement and eco-friendly supplies. Let’s make public spaces better—together.

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