Discovering the Dangers of Flushing Animal Waste Down the Toilet
Discovering the Dangers of Flushing Animal Waste Down the Toilet
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They are making several good points on 10 Things You Should Never Flush Down The Toilet overall in this content beneath.
When it pertains to getting rid of waste, specifically animal waste, lots of people usually resort to the practical alternative of flushing it down the bathroom. Nevertheless, this apparently very easy remedy can have major effects for the setting and public health. In this article, we'll check out why flushing animal waste down the bathroom is a negative concept and supply alternate methods for correct disposal.
Introduction
Appropriate waste disposal is crucial for preserving environmental sustainability and public health. While it might seem safe to flush animal waste down the commode, it can result in different concerns, both for the environment and human health.
Risks of flushing pet waste
Environmental effect
Purging animal waste presents dangerous bacteria and microorganisms right into waterways, which can adversely impact water ecosystems. These microorganisms can infect water sources and injury marine life, interrupting fragile communities.
Public health worries
Pet waste includes dangerous bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, which can posture serious wellness dangers to humans. Flushing pet waste down the commode can pollute water products, leading to the spread of illness and infections.
Alternatives to flushing
Rather than purging pet waste down the commode, there are several alternate disposal techniques that are a lot more eco-friendly and hygienic.
Composting
Composting animal waste is a green means to deal with it. By composting, organic matter is broken down into nutrient-rich soil, which can be utilized to fertilize gardens and plants.
Land fill disposal
Dealing with animal waste in a landfill is another option. While not as environmentally friendly as composting, it is a safer alternative to flushing, as it prevents the contamination of water sources.
Animal waste disposal systems
There are specialized animal waste disposal systems available that securely and hygienically take care of pet waste. These systems commonly utilize enzymes to break down waste and remove smells.
Steps to proper animal garbage disposal
To make sure appropriate disposal of animal waste, follow these actions:
Scooping and bagging waste
Regularly scoop and bag pet waste utilizing naturally degradable bags. This prevents waste from infecting the setting.
Utilizing designated waste containers
Dispose of bagged animal waste in assigned waste bins, such as garden compost bins or land fill bins. Avoid flushing it down the commode whatsoever costs.
Cleaning litter boxes and pet locations frequently
Routinely tidy litter boxes and pet dog areas to stop the accumulation of waste and germs. Usage pet-safe cleaning items to maintain health.
Benefits of appropriate disposal methods
Taking on proper disposal techniques for animal waste supplies a number of advantages:
Decreased environmental pollution
Correct disposal methods minimize the risk of environmental pollution, securing rivers and environments from contamination
Minimized danger of water contamination.
By staying clear of flushing animal waste down the bathroom, the threat of water contamination is considerably lowered, safeguarding public health.
Enhanced sanitation and hygiene
Correct disposal approaches promote much better hygiene and health, creating a much safer atmosphere for both human beings and animals.
Final thought
Finally, purging pet waste down the toilet is damaging to the setting and public health. By taking on alternative disposal methods and complying with correct waste monitoring practices, we can minimize the negative effect of animal waste and contribute to a cleaner, healthier world.
Can You Flush Dog and Cat Poo Down the Toilet?
Cat poo often contains a highly resistant parasite called Toxoplasma that can infect people and animals. Many municipal water treatments do not have equipment or processes to kill it (as they're designed for humans who don't poop this parasite!) meaning it would pass into our waterways, posing a risk to humans and animals alike. It can even prove fatal for some wildlife.
Many studies have shown that so called biodegradable and 'flushable' products, including flushable poo bags, don't actually disintegrate as claimed. This is primarily because they're designed to biodegrade in warm water, not cold water, like that in our toilets. In fact, 'flushable' poo bags have historically caused $8 million in blockages in Australia so it's not recommended to try flushing these bags, despite what they claim! The same goes for cat litter. Our old sewage systems are only designed for the 3 P's - Pee, Poo and Paper and can easily get blocked if anything else is thrown in.
So what about dog poo (without the bags)?
Again, dog poo is considerably different to human poo. It contains twice the harmful bacteria and viruses and also contains unique parasites. One particular parasite, Toxocara, is highly resistant to high temperatures. Our water treatment facilities are not designed to deal with dog poo pathogens such as this so there's a chance that they will pass through and contaminate our waterways if flushed down the toilet. Toxocara can also infect humans, causing blindness in children and infect animals so presents a public health risk. This is why many waste water treatment plants advise against flushing any type of pet poo down the toilet, due to the extra pathogens it contains.
Dog and cat poo can also contain medicines, such as parasite treatments, which can be highly toxic to aquatic life and may threaten the stability of entire ecosystems. Medicines are much trickier to clean from sewage and will likely pass unchanged into our waterways.
Scalability
There's also the question of whether flushing pet waste could really ever be a viable widespread solution. Could our old sewage systems really cope with the additional faeces of 12 million dogs and 10 million cats if everyone starting flushing their pet's poo? It's unlikely!
We contacted Wessex Water and South West Water on the matter of flushing pet poo and both gave different answers. The former advised it was safe to do so, while the latter strongly advised against it! This may be due to their different treatment processes which can vary depending on location. However both water companies agreed that you should never flush any 'flushable' products down the toilet, even if they claim to be safe to flush as in real world this just simply isn't the case and they often cause costly blockages. They emphasised that only the three P's - Poo, Paper and Pee should ever be flushed down the toilet.
Conclusion
In summary, never flush biodegradable or 'flushable' poo bags or cat litter down the toilet. We also feel it's safer to avoid flushing cat and dog faeces, due to it's pathogenic content, the unknown risks of parasite treatments and medicines on wildlife and the wider environment and due to the inconsistent advice. Dog poo may be disposed in a well managed compost or wormery, rather than down the toilet. If you are still really keen to flush pet poo, make sure you speak to your local water treatment plant before you do so, as they may or may not have the treatments to safely process it.
If you dispose of your pet's waste in general waste then ensure to do so in the most eco-friendly way by using recycled poo bags such as Award Winning ReSEAcled poo bags. Experts advice it's better to re-use waste that was already destined for landfill or incineration rather than using poo bags made form virgin materials because this helps reduce plastic production, reduce plastic pollution and cuts carbon emissions and energy use. ReSEAcled poo bags are also the world's first Plastic Negative poo bags, removing 5 times as much plastic from the environment than they use! Click here to learn more.
https://petimpact.co.uk/blogs/poo-revolution/can-you-flush-pet-poo-down-the-toilet
Routinely tidy litter boxes and pet dog areas to stop the accumulation of waste and germs. Usage pet-safe cleaning items to maintain health.
Benefits of appropriate disposal methods
Taking on proper disposal techniques for animal waste supplies a number of advantages:
Decreased environmental pollution
Correct disposal methods minimize the risk of environmental pollution, securing rivers and environments from contamination
Minimized danger of water contamination.
By staying clear of flushing animal waste down the bathroom, the threat of water contamination is considerably lowered, safeguarding public health.
Enhanced sanitation and hygiene
Correct disposal approaches promote much better hygiene and health, creating a much safer atmosphere for both human beings and animals.
Final thought
Finally, purging pet waste down the toilet is damaging to the setting and public health. By taking on alternative disposal methods and complying with correct waste monitoring practices, we can minimize the negative effect of animal waste and contribute to a cleaner, healthier world.
Can You Flush Dog and Cat Poo Down the Toilet?
Cat poo often contains a highly resistant parasite called Toxoplasma that can infect people and animals. Many municipal water treatments do not have equipment or processes to kill it (as they're designed for humans who don't poop this parasite!) meaning it would pass into our waterways, posing a risk to humans and animals alike. It can even prove fatal for some wildlife.
Many studies have shown that so called biodegradable and 'flushable' products, including flushable poo bags, don't actually disintegrate as claimed. This is primarily because they're designed to biodegrade in warm water, not cold water, like that in our toilets. In fact, 'flushable' poo bags have historically caused $8 million in blockages in Australia so it's not recommended to try flushing these bags, despite what they claim! The same goes for cat litter. Our old sewage systems are only designed for the 3 P's - Pee, Poo and Paper and can easily get blocked if anything else is thrown in.
So what about dog poo (without the bags)?
Again, dog poo is considerably different to human poo. It contains twice the harmful bacteria and viruses and also contains unique parasites. One particular parasite, Toxocara, is highly resistant to high temperatures. Our water treatment facilities are not designed to deal with dog poo pathogens such as this so there's a chance that they will pass through and contaminate our waterways if flushed down the toilet. Toxocara can also infect humans, causing blindness in children and infect animals so presents a public health risk. This is why many waste water treatment plants advise against flushing any type of pet poo down the toilet, due to the extra pathogens it contains.
Dog and cat poo can also contain medicines, such as parasite treatments, which can be highly toxic to aquatic life and may threaten the stability of entire ecosystems. Medicines are much trickier to clean from sewage and will likely pass unchanged into our waterways.
Scalability
There's also the question of whether flushing pet waste could really ever be a viable widespread solution. Could our old sewage systems really cope with the additional faeces of 12 million dogs and 10 million cats if everyone starting flushing their pet's poo? It's unlikely!
We contacted Wessex Water and South West Water on the matter of flushing pet poo and both gave different answers. The former advised it was safe to do so, while the latter strongly advised against it! This may be due to their different treatment processes which can vary depending on location. However both water companies agreed that you should never flush any 'flushable' products down the toilet, even if they claim to be safe to flush as in real world this just simply isn't the case and they often cause costly blockages. They emphasised that only the three P's - Poo, Paper and Pee should ever be flushed down the toilet.
Conclusion
In summary, never flush biodegradable or 'flushable' poo bags or cat litter down the toilet. We also feel it's safer to avoid flushing cat and dog faeces, due to it's pathogenic content, the unknown risks of parasite treatments and medicines on wildlife and the wider environment and due to the inconsistent advice. Dog poo may be disposed in a well managed compost or wormery, rather than down the toilet. If you are still really keen to flush pet poo, make sure you speak to your local water treatment plant before you do so, as they may or may not have the treatments to safely process it.
If you dispose of your pet's waste in general waste then ensure to do so in the most eco-friendly way by using recycled poo bags such as Award Winning ReSEAcled poo bags. Experts advice it's better to re-use waste that was already destined for landfill or incineration rather than using poo bags made form virgin materials because this helps reduce plastic production, reduce plastic pollution and cuts carbon emissions and energy use. ReSEAcled poo bags are also the world's first Plastic Negative poo bags, removing 5 times as much plastic from the environment than they use! Click here to learn more.
https://petimpact.co.uk/blogs/poo-revolution/can-you-flush-pet-poo-down-the-toilet
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