No matter how much you love your cat, there’s 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 pretty heavy.
There’s also the matter of disposal. Used cat litter isn’t just stinky – it can also pollute the surroundings and cause damage if you’re not careful. In this article, we’ll talk about some of the safest options you have 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)
Some types of cat litter, such as sawdust, wood shavings, or other biodegradable materials, can be composted. 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.
3. Try Vermicomposting
Vermicomposting is a process that uses worms to break down organic waste, including some 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 will make life so easy, won’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’s 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.
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 that 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’re not just destroying your plumbing, but you’ll wreak havoc on your surroundings, too.
Featured Image Credit: Mr.Piya Meena, Shutterstock
