Top 10 Best Dog Waste Disposal Systems (In-Ground and Above-Ground)

If you’re a dog owner, there’s no avoiding dog poop. It’s a fact of life that you have to clean up after your dog, and while dog urine simply washes away and gets absorbed into the ground, dog feces just hang around, and germs and odors with it. Thus, there are a number of different products to help you handle and dispose of this solid waste. Some help you bag it, some help you store it until garbage day, and some help you convert it into compost. All purport to make your life easier by making this chore a little less of a hassle.

QUICK CHOICES: Here are the top 10 Best Dog Waste Disposal Systems we’ve found to help you clean up after your pooch.

Names	Types	Descriptions
Dog Buddy Portable Pooper Scooper	Pooper scooper	This handheld, easy-to-operate scoop clips onto your dog’s leash for quick, sanitary poop pick-up on the go.
Arm & Hammer Swivel Bin and Rake	Pooper scooper	This economical two-piece set is great for high-volume jobs with multiple pickups.
Nature’s Miracle Nonstick Advanced Jaw Scoop	Pooper scooper	This long-handled scoop is lightweight yet durable with an innovative jaw design for cleaner use even on grass.
Doo Doo Tub Dog Waste Holder	Temporary trash container	This easy-to-clean plastic container holds full bags of dog poop on your walks so you don’t have to.
PetFusion Portable Outdoor Pet Waste Disposal	Aboveground bin	This lightweight bin has a locking lid and charcoal filter to help contain odors from pet feces.
ZubyDog Dog Poop Trash Can	Aboveground bin with a pooper scooper	This pooper scooper/trash can combo is a complete waste disposal system big enough for several dogs.
PawPail Pet Waste Station	Aboveground bin	This high-end, commercial-grade waste station is the best on our list at minimizing odors.
Doggie Dooley In-Ground	In-ground composter	This underground bin makes composting easy, reducing odors and cutting out the need for plastic bags altogether.
Biomaster Pet Waste Wizard BioBin	Partially in-ground composter	This composter sits mostly aboveground, making it easy to use even if you don’t have the ability to dig a large hole in your yard.
Doggie Doo Drain	Sewer/septic line attachment	This convenient pipe attachment allows you to simply add dog waste into your sewer line, no bags needed.

What is a Dog Waste Disposal System?

Essentially, a dog waste disposal system is anything you use to clean up your dog’s poop. It can be as simple as a plastic bag that you tie off and throw in the garbage or as complex as an underground composter. For our purpose, we’ll talk about three types of products that you’ll most often see: products that help you with the immediate handling of dog feces (often called pooper scoopers), above-ground storage, and underground/in-ground composting.

Pooper Scoopers

These are the products that help you solve the immediate problem of picking up your dog’s poop. Of course, what you use to pick it up will depend on how you’re ultimately going to dispose of it. Many dog owners use plastic bags, often small ones that come on convenient rolls that are easy to carry along on walks. However, this ultimately ends up putting more plastic in landfills. If you’re concerned about this, some companies do make biodegradable or compostable bags that will eventually break down.

There are also non-disposable tools, like short- or long-handled grabbers typically called “pooper scoopers.” These allow you to pick up dog poop without worrying about getting it on your hands. Additionally, if you’re disposing of it in a system that doesn’t allow for plastic bags, these scoopers may be a great help to you. You can take the waste right from where it lands to one of the following disposal systems.

Above-Ground Disposal

An “above-ground dog waste disposal system” is essentially an outdoor dog poop trash can. However, there are special trash cans made for the purpose of temporarily storing dog poop better than the average hardware-store bin. These cans are usually durable enough to remain outside, and many are specially designed to keep germs and offensive odors contained. If you have multiple dogs, or your dog has particularly smelly bowel movements, it may be worth investing in a special dog poop container.

Underground Disposal

If you have outdoor space to work with, there’s another way to dispose of dog waste without adding it to a landfill. Underground compost chambers work thanks to special enzymes that will break down dog waste and make it less harmful to you and the environment. Typically, you’ll bury the container, which has a tight-fitting lid but no bottom. When your dog poops outside, you’ll open the lid and put the waste inside, where it will slowly break down with the help of water and these enzymes, which you’ll periodically add.

Similar to this are devices that allow you to add your dog’s waste to your home’s existing septic system if you have one. Please note that if you choose to use bags with a composter, you’ll need to use specific compostable (not plastic or “biodegradable”) bags.

How do I know which system to pick?

Here are some criteria to keep in mind when trying to determine which of these systems will work best for you:

• The size and number of your dog(s). Put simply, how much poop do you have to deal with on a daily basis? What does your system realistically need to be able to handle?
• Your dog’s health. Some health conditions and medications can change the consistency and odor of your dog’s waste. Does this factor into your needs?
• Your home’s outdoor space. Do you have room for an outdoor container? Is it possible for you to bury an underground system?
• Your mobility. Are you able to bend down to pick up waste? Are you able to move it across your yard if necessary?
• Your preferences. How important to you is composting and the reduction of plastic waste? How important is odor reduction and ease of cleaning?

Your budget. How much can you afford to spend now? How much can you afford to spend on a regular basis, if the system requires consumable materials to function?

Top 10 Best Dog Waste Disposal Systems Reviews

1. Dog Buddy Portable Pooper Scooper

Available in sizes medium and large, the Dog Buddy Portable Pooper Scooper is a handheld device that allows you to easily pick up your dog’s poop without allowing it to touch your hands. This lightweight scoop can clip right to your dog’s leash and has a disposable bag dispenser built right in. You place the disposable bag over the scoop and then use one hand to clamp it around the poop. From there, you can tie the bag off and even leave it in the scoop until you come to a trash can.

Customers report that it works as promised and can be operated even in cold weather with gloves on. The back is expandable to allow you to contain multiple pick-ups, though you have to take care that none falls out. Although you can use the Dog Buddy on all surfaces, it’s not as effective on grass, as its jaws may cause smears that get on the outside of the bag. However, in general, it has high reviews from satisfied customers.

Pros

• Highly portable for walks
• Available in two sizes
• Great customer reviews for value and durability

Cons

• Requires bending or kneeling
• Maybe messy to operate on grass

2. Arm & Hammer Swivel Bin and Rake

This two-piece Arm & Hammer pooper scooper set includes a lightweight rake and a swiveling bin on an extendable handle. You prepare the bin in advance by lining it with a disposable bag – even plastic grocery bags will fit, though of course the company makes its own – and simply rake the poop right into the bag. When you’re finished and you lift the bin, it swivels to drop the waste to the bottom, allowing you to put multiple piles of waste in the same bag.

While it’s very easy to use, the two pieces and long handles mean that it’s not the kind of thing you’ll be able to take on a walk. This particular pooper scooper is likely best used on your own property, but if you have multiple dogs or large dogs, it could be a life-saver. It’s very inexpensive, and despite this, customers report that the rake is fairly durable. Unfortunately, the rake tines are somewhat far apart, so it isn’t ideal for picking up smaller pieces of waste.

Pros

• Great budget pick
• 32” extendable handle prevents bending down
• Large capacity for multiple pick-ups

Cons

• Less portable
• Not as effective for small dog poops

3. Nature’s Miracle Nonstick Advanced Jaw Scoop

If you like the design of the Dog Buddy but prefer the long handle of the Arm & Hammer set, the Nature’s Miracle Jaw Scoop combines the best of both of these products. It’s a little more expensive than the others, but it has a lightweight and sturdy build. It’s even durable enough to store outdoors in the elements. The “jaws” of this pooper scooper have “teeth,” which solve the problem of smearing when you’re using it on grass, and the non-stick plastic has an anti-microbial coating to fight germs.

Unfortunately, while you can use the Nature’s Miracle Scoop in conjunction with a disposable bag, it’s not as easy to do as with the other pooper scoopers on our list. It’s mostly designed to pick up the waste, not bag it, so you may have to get creative if you want to use bags. If you’re using this scoop to place dog waste directly into a bin, it’s an excellent choice. However, it’s not ideal for taking your dog on a walk.

Pros

• A long handle means no bending down
• “Teeth” work well on grass
• Highly durable design

Cons

• Not designed for use with disposable bags
• Only available in medium and jumbo

4. Doo Doo Tube Dog Waste Holder

The Doo Doo Tube is a unique item on our list, as it’s neither a pooper scooper nor a waste bin. Instead, it’s a place to put your dog’s poop after you’ve scooped it into a plastic bag. You probably won’t need it around the house, but if you like taking your dog on walks but hate having to tote bags of their poop around, this product is perfect for you. It’s a hard plastic canister with a locking lid and a carabiner to attach it to a leash for maximum portability.

Somewhat bafflingly, it doesn’t also dispense a roll of disposable bags, so you’ll have to provide those on your own. However, the Doo Doo Tube does a decent job of containing odor and germs, and it’s easy to wash. Customers find it useful, though they caution you need to squeeze the air out of the disposable bag before knotting it and placing it in the tube.

Pros

• Keeps germs and odors off your hands on walks
• Washable and infinitely reusable
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Need a separate container for unused bags
• May be too small for multiple dogs or multiple pickups

5. PetFusion Portable Outdoor Pet Waste Disposal

Essentially, this PetFusion waste station is an outdoor dog waste trash can that’s designed to be toted around the yard as you go around picking up after your dog. With its locking handle and bag dispenser, you could also take it with you on a walk, though it’s far larger and clumsier than most portable products. It’s better used closer to home, where you can line the interior bin with a plastic bag (five bags are included) and scoop poop directly into the bin. It’s durable and designed to be left outdoors.

While the PetFusion is far more expensive than a regular trash can, it’s also designed specifically to contain odors, with a tight-fitting lid gasket and a replaceable charcoal filter. Unfortunately, though it’s designed to be used with a pooper scooper, it doesn’t actually come with one, so you may need to use it in conjunction with one of the other products on our list. Also, while it keeps odors in, you will have to lift the lid to use it, and with no composting feature or vent, changing the bag will be a smelly process.

Pros

• Sturdy, durable design
• Gasket and charcoal filter keeps odors inside
• Lightweight and portable

Cons

• Expensive
• Doesn’t include pooper scooper

6. ZubyDog Dog Poop Trash Can with Lid

Unlike PetFusion, ZubyDog’s Dog Poop Trash Can comes with a long-handled rake and bin included. You can line the inner bucket with a plastic bag and scoop waste directly into the can without having to bend over and pick it up. You won’t even need to touch the can itself, since stepping on the pedal makes the lid pop open. When the interior bag is full, you can lift the inner bin to empty it. The rake and bin are sturdily designed, and the handles telescope out to a full 37” for even the tallest dog owner.

Unfortunately, other than the pedal, the trash can itself has no special features like an odor filter or gasket seal. For a regular trash can, this product is quite expensive, though the fact that it includes a pooper scooper is a plus. The outer container also doesn’t have a handle, so it’s best left stationary in your yard, which means you’ll have to bring the waste to it.

Pros

• The foot pedal opens the lid
• Included rake and bin are made of sturdy metal
• Large capacity

Cons

• No odor filter
• Expensive

7. PawPail Pet Waste Station

If budget isn’t a concern, the PawPail Pet Waste Station is a high-end aboveground bin that’s commercial quality. It’s meant to be used in conjunction with disposable plastic bags, which are included in a built-in dispenser that can hold 200 at a time. However, once you’ve bagged individual pickups, you don’t need to include an extra plastic garbage bag as a bin liner. The DualVent technology and activated charcoal air filter contain and minimize odors as long as the bin has plenty of space around it. This durable bin can be left outdoors, and it gets the highest marks of any product on our list when it comes to odor reduction.

Unfortunately, all this technology comes at a high price. Additionally, if you want the mount to hang this unobtrusive bin on a wall or post, you’ll have to buy it separately. Because it can be wall-mounted, there’s also no foot pedal, so you have to unlock and open the bin with your hands. However, the lock does keep insects and rainwater out. Finally, to get the most out of the bag-dispensing and odor-reducing features, you’ll need to keep buying new filters and bags directly from the company.

Pros

• Vents and charcoal filters reduce odors
• Dispenses disposable poop bags
• Sleek design

Cons

• Very expensive
• Mounting kit sold separately

8. Doggie Dooley In-Ground Dog Waste Disposal System

Doggie Dooley is the top brand name in dog waste composting bins. You have several options from this company in terms of shape and size, but the 3800x model has both the highest ratings and the largest capacity. It consists of a bottomless plastic bin made to sit in the soil with the lid at ground height. You step on the lid to put pet waste in – no bags needed – and occasionally add water and digester enzymes to turn fecal matter into compost.

Customers reported that it works just as advertised and reduces odors. However, it’s quite labor-intensive at the beginning, since you have to dig a hole up to 48” deep. Additionally, it’s worth knowing that there’s nothing “magic” about the bin itself – it’s the digester enzymes that do the composting work. The bin merely gives you a convenient foot pedal to access the compost hole.

Pros

• No disposable plastic
• Foot-operated lid
• Renders waste harmless and odorless over time

Cons

• Extensive digging required
• Unsuited for clay and other very dense soil

9. Biomaster Pet Waste Wizard BioBin

If you like the idea of composting but can’t dig very deep in your hard, the Biomaster Pet Waste Wizard BioBin will fit your needs. This 100% recycled plastic bin takes up only 10” by 10” of floor space, and only the bottom 6” rests under the ground. It can easily contain the waste from two large dogs every day, and you can use it with cat waste, too, as long as you also use the biodegradable litter. Simply lift the lid, add the waste, and sprinkle the included waste digester enzymes over the top.

Customers report that the BioBin does a good job of containing odors and waste. The plastic is lighter than many expected, and though assembly is required, it’s easy to assemble. You’ll need to continue to add the digester enzymes and ensure that the compost remains slightly wet. Some customers had trouble finding the branded digester enzymes, but they were able to use a different brand without problems.

Pros

• Compatible with both dog and cat feces (with biodegradable litter)
• Large capacity
• Requires a smaller hole than other composters

Cons

• Average customer reviews
• Somewhat flimsy design for the price

10. Doggie Doo Drain Dog Waste Sewer Line Attachment

Finally, the Doggie Doo Drain allows you to dispose of your dog’s waste the same way you do your own. As long as you know where your sewer or septic clean-out pipe is – usually outside of a bathroom, 3-4 feet from your home – this device is very easy to install. Unscrew the existing lid and screw the Doggie Doo Drain in place. When it’s time to dispose of waste, remove the plug, shovel the poop into the drain, then rinse it down with a hose and replace the plug.

This product includes only the pipe attachment, so you’ll have to provide your own pooper scooper. Additionally, while most homes have 3” or 4” pipes that can use this attachment, homes with smaller or larger pipes may have to create their own adapters. You also need a hose or other water source to rinse down the waste. However, if you can meet all these criteria, customers report this as an excellent product for not just containing dog waste, but actually getting rid of it.

Pros

• Eliminates the need for disposable bags
• Easy to install and use
• Removes waste from your house and yard altogether

Cons

• May require an additional connector if your sewer clean-out is flush with the foundation
• No pooper scooper included

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dog poop dangerous?

A dog’s feces can contain bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other germs that are actively harmful to humans. You should take caution when handling dog feces, such as using a pooper scooper or using a plastic bag as a barrier between your hand and the waste. Obviously, you should always wash your hands thoroughly after handling dog feces, even with a scoop, and anything that regularly comes in contact with dog waste (like a rake or shovel) needs to be cleaned.

Is it legal to throw dog poop in the trash?

Yes, unless there are specific laws against it in your area, it’s legal to throw bagged dog waste in the regular garbage. Dog owners looking for other solutions are usually concerned about a high number of plastic bags that end up in a landfill because of this practice.

Are there any systems that are odor-free?

Many aboveground bins or underground composting systems are specially designed to contain pet feces and thus have features that help them reduce odors. Unfortunately, though, nothing is going to completely eliminate odors. An aboveground bin that has proper ventilation, is placed in an open area, and contains a filter will do a better job at minimizing odors than a regular trash can. Similarly, a compost system with a deep underground hole or a sewer line attachment will quickly reduce odors. However, nothing will completely get rid of the smell before you have to handle the waste.

Can dog poop go into regular compost?

Theoretically, it could. However, most home composters want to use that compost as fertilizer for garden or yard plants, and even after it’s spent time in a compost pile, dog feces isn’t typically safe to use as a fertilizer. Those germs and parasites can hang around unless the waste heat to a high temperature, higher than most home compost piles achieve.

Conclusion

As you may have learned from reading the above reviews, no dog waste disposal system is perfect. Most require at least occasional cleaning, and none can completely keep you from having to encounter odors. However, there’s likely to be at least one product that will make cleaning up after your dog a little easier for you. Take time to consider how and where you’ll use it before making your choices.