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While we all love our four-legged friends, dealing with their waste can be quite a burden. The pet poop conundrum leaves many pet parents wondering how to reduce the environmental impact of their pet’s waste. Composting and bokashi are both great ways to dispose of pet waste, alternatively, you can create your very own dog poo wormery and try vermicomposting!
In this article, we’ll explain what vermicomposting is, how to use a wormery to compost dog poop, and the benefits of doing so with our easy-to-follow step-by-step guide.
What Is Vermicomposting?
Vermicomposting uses worms to break down organic material and turn it into compost. The worms feed on organic waste and pass castings, a highly sought nutrient-rich fertiliser. Worms are highly adapted to breaking down organic waste, consuming half their body weight in food every day.
The word “vermi” is derived from the Latin word for vermis meaning worm. The origins of vermiculture are suggested to date back to Egyptian times. However, it was Mary Appelhof, a biology teacher from Michigan, that developed modern vermiculture in the 1970s.
Appelhof’s desire to continue composting over the cold winter months led her to develop one of the first indoor composting systems using worms she purchased from a bait shop. During their first winter, the worms consumed 65 lbs. of kitchen waste and produced a nutrient-rich compost that yielded a fantastic vegetable harvest. Appelhof went on to publish two brochures on the subject and was also featured in a New York Times article, titled “Urban Composting: A New Can of Worms”.
Vermiculture has since become a popular method of composting for gardeners and those looking for a convenient way to compost kitchen waste. There are different types of worms that can be used for vermicomposting; however, the most commonly used species is the red wiggler (Eisenia fetida). The worms are placed in a container, aka a wormery, along with organic waste for them to consume. Worms are highly efficient at breaking down organic waste, and the resultant worm castings (aka ‘black gold’) contain key nutrients for plants, making them a fantastic fertiliser for gardening.
Overall, vermicomposting is a great, eco-friendly way to manage organic waste. It helps divert waste from landfill, reduces methane emissions, and produces an amazing nutrient-rich compost for your garden. Plus, it’s fun to play with worms.
What is a wormery?
A wormery, also known as a vermicomposting system or worm bin, is a container designed for the purpose of composting organic waste using worms. Wormeries come in different sizes and designs, but they all provide a controlled environment for worms to break down organic matter into nutrient-rich compost.
There are several different types of wormeries that you can use for vermicomposting dog poop and are available in a variety of sizes, with options to suit every budget. You can opt for a basic worm bin, a stacked system, or even DIY your own. However, when choosing a wormery, it’s key to consider the number of dogs you have and how much waste they produce. You will need to ensure that the wormery is large enough to accommodate the worms for the amount of waste your dog produces.
Regardless of the type of wormery you choose, it’s important to ensure that it has adequate ventilation and drainage to prevent the buildup of moisture, which can be harmful to worms. You may also want to consider the location of the wormery, as it should be placed in a shaded area that is protected from extreme temperatures.
Can You Put Dog Poop In A Vermicompost?
In short, YES, you can put dog poo in a vermicompost. Vermicomposting is a great eco-friendly way to dispose of pet waste, reducing the amount of poop going to landfill. And when done properly, a dog poo wormery can produce a fantastic nutrient-rich compost for your ornamental garden.
While vermicomposting is a great way to turn organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Dog waste should always be composted separately from other types of organic waste, this is for two reasons. The first is that if you add both kitchen waste and dog poo to the same wormery, the worms will ignore the doggy doo and choose the kitchen scrapes every time. This can lead to the build-up of pet waste in your wormery, attracting pests and creating some very unpleasant odours.
The second is that dog poop can contain many pathogens and parasites that are harmful to human health. While there is research to suggest that worms can destroy the potential nasties that may be lurking in animal waste, it is advised to only use dog poo compost for non-edible plants. So, for the keen vegetable gardeners among you, keep a separate compost just for kitchen scraps for a guaranteed safe supply of fertiliser for your vegetable patch.
Additionally, it’s very important to only use dog poop from healthy dogs that are not being treated with any medications. Some medications can be very harmful to your worm farm and can even wipe out the entire worm colony.
Overall, when done correctly, a dog poo wormery can be a great way to reduce waste and produce nutrient-rich fertiliser. However, it’s important to follow best practices and take precautions to prevent the spread of any pathogens and protect the health of your worm farm.
Who Is A Dog Poo Wormery Best Suited For?
A dog poo wormery is an excellent option for pet owners who are looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly way to dispose of their pet’s waste while reaping the benefits of nutrient-rich compost. This system is especially suitable for:
- Pet owners who are short on space: A dog poo wormery can be set up in a small space, making it ideal for pet owners who live in smaller homes or have limited outdoor space.
- Gardeners: Vermicomposting pet waste produces a high-quality compost that can be used to enrich the soil in your garden or ornamental plants.
- Those that want a new hobby: Vermicomposting can be a great, fun hobby for those who want to start composting but don’t want to maintain a traditional compost.
In addition, the vermicomposting system is a great way to reduce the amount of waste you send to landfills, which helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, a dog poo wormery can be an excellent addition to your sustainability efforts and reduce your pet’s carbon pawprint!
Equipment And Things You Will Need
Vermicomposting doesn’t require much equipment, but you will need to gather a few essentials before you can start composting dog poop.
- Wormery: A wormery or worm bin is, for obvious reasons, an essential item. You can purchase a wormery online or make your own using a plastic storage bin or wooden box. We like the FCMP Essential Living 2-Tray Worm Composter as its compact and stylish.
- Worms: Red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) are the species of worms commonly used for vermicomposting because they are efficient at breaking down organic waste and reproducing quickly. You can easily purchase red wigglers online and have them delivered direct to your door. You will need to calculate the amount of worms you need. Worms consume around half their body weight a day, so a rough ratio of waste to worms is 2:1. For example, if your dog produces 500g of poop per day, you would need 250g of worms to meet the needs of your system.
- Bedding material: Bedding material is necessary for creating a comfortable environment for the worms, helping maintain aeration and optimal moisture levels. Shredded newspaper, coco coir, peat moss, straw/hay, and fall leaves are great options for bedding material, however, using a combination of bedding materials is best.
- Water: The bedding material needs to be moist to create an optimal environment for the worms.
- Trowel: A trowel is useful for scooping the poop and burying the waste in your wormery. Keep the trowel separate from your other gardening tools, and use it as your designated scoop for your vermicompost.
- Moisture Meter: This one is completely optional, but it does allow you to easily keep an eye on the moisture level of your wormery. The ideal moisture level of a worm bin is 80%, however, worms can tolerate moisture levels between 50-90%. Our fav is the XLUX Soil Moisture Meter, as its reliable and accurate
- Thermometer: Again, this one is optional, however, it helps you keep your worms at the optimal temperature, maximising compost production. We like the REOTEMP K83W Worm Therm Soil Thermometer for its durability and accuracy.
- Dog Waste: Of course, you will also need a supply of dog waste to add to your vermicomposting bin. Remember to only use waste from healthy dogs that are not being treated with medications.
You can buy a complete vermicomposting kit with everything you need or set up your own DIY dog poo wormery. If you do choose to build your own DIY wormery ensure that your system has sufficient aeration and drainage to ensure your worm colony thrives.
Overall, starting a dog poo wormery can be set up without spending a fortune, requiring minimal equipment and supplies. The best part is that after the initial set-up investment, you probably won’t need to spend any more money, making it a very cost-efficient pet waste disposal system.
How To Vermicompost Dog Poop Step-By-Step
Vermicomposting dog poop is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. Follow our step-by-step guide on how to vermicompost dog poop:
Step 1: Set up your wormery
Remember placement of your worn bin is key. Place in a shaded area that is protected from extreme temperatures. The optimal temperature for a wormery is between 13°C to 25°C (55°F to 77°F). However, worms can live quite happily in temperatures ranging between 4°C to 26°C (40°F to 80°F). If you live in an area with harsh winter temperatures you may want to consider moving your wormery inside, such as a garage or somewhere that doesn’t get too cold. A thermometer can help you keep your worms at a safe temperature.
Step 2: Prepare the bedding material
It’s best to dampen the bedding materials before adding them to the worm bin. Soak your bedding material just long enough so that it is nice and moist, but not dripping wet (think moist sponge). The wormery should be about ¾ full of bedding so that the worms have enough to burrow into. Also, be sure to fluff the bedding to allow for better airflow.
Step 3: Add the worms
Add the red wigglers to the wormery, making sure to cover them with some bedding material. Leave the worms for about a week to allow them to settle and become accustomed to their new home before you start adding any waste material. Place the lid on the container to keep the worms inside, prevent pests from entering, and maintain the moisture level. Remember, worms don’t like to be disturbed, so try to avoid the urge to keep checking on them.
Step 4: Add the dog waste
After a week slowly begin to add dog waste to your wormery, burying the poop beneath the bedding material. Be sure to cover the waste completely to prevent any odours or attracting pests. There should be about 2-3 inches of bedding covering the waste and the worms.
Step 5: Maintaining the wormery
Once set up a dog poo wormery is easy to maintain. Feed your worms as the ‘food’ disappears, taking care to not overfeed. If the waste begins to build up, lay off for a couple of days to avoid overloading the system. Add extra bedding material as needed, or top up with each feeding. Remember, the bedding material should be moist, but not waterlogged. Worms can tolerate an environment ranging from 50%-90% moisture; however, 80% moisture is ideal. You can use a moisture meter to check the moisture level of the bedding material.
Step 6: Harvest the compost
Generally, worm castings can be harvested every three to six months, however, the size of your worm bin, how many worms you have, and the amount of waste you add are all factors.
To check if it’s time to harvest, simply dig to the bottom of your worm bin to see if any castings have accumulated. If there is a layer of dark, crumbly compost that has a rich, earthy smell and is free of worms and dog waste, it’s time to harvest.
There are several ways you can harvest the compost, but these are the most popular:
- Option one: Harvest by hand. Spread the contents of your worm bin out on a tarp or plastic sheet, and separate the worms from the compost by hand. Once you have collected your compost set the worms up with some fresh bedding and start the process again.
- Option two: Encourage migration. Worms will naturally migrate toward their food source, and the process is simple. Push the entire contents of the worm bin to one side of the bin. Move any undigested waste material to the other side, along with a small amount of fresh bedding and food. Within a few weeks, the worms will naturally migrate to the food source, leaving you to harvest the castings.
If you’re using a stacked wormery harvesting is a breeze. This system allows you to easily encourage the worms to migrate up to the next tray making it easy to harvest the castings in the bottom tray.
While harvesting your compost you can also pick out any worm eggs you see (look for small, yellow-ish balls) and add them back to the wormery as they will yield more worms in the future.
By following these easy steps, you can vermicompost your dog’s waste and create nutrient-rich compost that can be used to improve soil health and promote plant growth. You will be a worm composting pro in no time!
Vermicompost Considerations
Caring For Worms
While vermicomposting dog poop is a simple process, there are a few things to keep in mind when caring for the worms. Ensure they are kept within their optimal temperature range between 13°C to 25°C (55°F to 77°F), as the worms are most active and efficient at breaking down organic material within this range.
The moisture level of your wormery is a key factor in caring for your worms. Worms need a layer of moisture around them to enable them to breathe through their skin. While wetter is better, if the worm bin is too wet the bin can become anaerobic, potentially killing your worms. Make sure the bedding material is moist, but not waterlogged. Remember, the ideal moisture content for the bedding material is 80%.
Do not add dog waste from recently dewormed dogs to your worm bin. If your dog has been recently dewormed, it’s important to wait a couple of weeks before adding their poop to the wormery, to allow the medication to work through their system. Deworming medication can be very harmful to the worms and potentially wipe out your whole colony.
By keeping these considerations in mind, you can ensure that your worms are healthy and productive and that your vermicomposting process is successful. Remember to monitor the temperature, moisture, and bedding regularly and make adjustments as needed to maintain optimal conditions for the worms.
Health Concerns
Although vermicomposting dog poop is a great way to dispose of pet waste, there are some potential issues and health concerns to consider. Dog poop can contain parasites and pathogens, such as E. coli and Salmonella, which can be very harmful to both human and animal health. It’s important to handle dog waste and compost with care and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
- Wear gloves. Wearing gloves will help to keep you protected and safe from any pathogens that may be lurking in dog waste.
- Only use worm castings on non-edible plants. Despite the research suggesting vermicomposting can destroy the pathogens and parasites in dog poo, it is recommended to limit its application to ornamental plants. Additionally, err on the side of caution and avoid applying in any areas where children play.
- Keep any vermicomposting tools separate from other gardening tools. Again, this relates to the above point. Whether you use a specific trowel for scooping the poop, or a certain tarp for harvesting your worm compost, avoid any possible contamination by keeping your dog poo wormery tools separate.
- Always wash your hands. Even if you always wear gloves as stated in the first point, stay safe and always your hands after you’ve been dealing with your worm bin.
By being aware of these potential issues and taking the necessary precautions, you can minimise any potential risks and ensure that your vermicomposting process is successful and safe.
Potential Problems & Solutions
Problem: Strong Odours
| CAUSE | SOLUTION |
| The worms are being overfed | Stop adding food for a few days and give the worms time to finish breaking down the waste. Break up large chunks and gently stir the pile to allow air to circulate. Add dry, fluffed bedding to absorb excess moisture. Check worm bin drainage to make sure it isn’t blocked. |
| The wormery isn’t getting enough air | Carefully fluff the contents of the worm bin to break up any clumps and aerate the compost. Add fluffed, loose, dry bedding. Make sure ventilation holes aren’t blocked. |
| The worm bin is too wet | Check ventilation and drainage holes aren’t blocked. Add dry, fluffed bedding both under and on top of the worms and food to absorb excess moisture. |
Problem: Fruit flies
| CAUSE | SOLUTION |
| Too much food | Stop feeding the bin for a week and add more bedding material to make sure food is covered. Avoid the problem in the future by not overfeeding the worm bin. |
| Not enough bedding covering food | Ensure you are burying the food deep enough. There should always be a 2 to 3 inch layer of bedding above the food and the worms. |
Problem: Worms are trying to escape
| CAUSE | SOLUTION |
| Too wet or too acidic | If your worms are trying to escape that means there is something wrong with their environment. Completely reset and change the worm bin, and refresh with new bedding material. If short on time add in dry, fluffed newspaper both below and above the worms and food to absorb excess moisture and balance to acidity levels until you can completely change the worm bin. |
| Castings have built up too much | Harvest worm castings and reset wormery with fresh bedding material. |
Final Thoughts
A dog poo wormery can be a sustainable and eco-friendly way to dispose of pet waste while creating a nutrient-rich fertiliser for your garden and reducing your pet’s carbon pawprint.
When vermicomposting dog poop, it’s important to take precautions to minimise potential health risks and ensure that the worms and compost are healthy. This includes using the right equipment, feeding the worms appropriately, monitoring the moisture, and avoiding adding dog waste that has been recently treated with medication. And remember to only use the worm castings for non-edible plants.
While vermicompost is a great solution for the pet waste in your garden, you still need to scoop the poop while out on your daily dog walk. Check out our favourite eco-friendly dog poop bags so can continue to reduce your furry friend’s impact even when you’re out and about
By following these guidelines, you can successfully vermicompost dog poop and enjoy the benefits of a flourishing garden and a cleaner environment. Continue learning and experimenting with different composting methods to reduce waste and improve sustainability in your home and community.
Happy composting friends!