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Emptying your cat’s litter tray clear isn’t just about keeping things tidy; it’s also vital for your cat’s health and happiness. An unclean litter tray can cause urinary tract problems and skin irritation and can also spread pathogens like Toxoplasma.
Let’s explore the different options for storing, using, and disposing of cat litter.
How to Dispose of Cat Litter Waste
- Bagging and Securing Used Cat Litter
Disposing of used cat litter is much easier if you bag it up first. Use a leak-proof bag. I often buy packs of dog waste bags; these are small and biodegradable bags designed for dog waste. If there is only a single mass to bag up, I can wear the bag on my hand like a glove, pick up the waste, and then fold the bag inside out to seal around the waste without my hands touching it.
If there are several patches of waste, I will use a slotted scoop to pick it up and place it in the bag.
- Choosing the Right Trash Receptacle
Cat waste can still smell, even if it’s in a bag. I recommend getting a separate bin for litter with a tight-fitting lid. Not only will this help reduce any odours, but it will also stop pests or pets from gaining access to the waste.
You should empty this bin multiple times a week and never let it overflow.
Tips for Minimizing Odor and Bacteria Growth
You need to clean your litter box regularly. It can be tempting to simply keep topping up the litter box with new litter each time you remove some cat waste, but you need to fully empty and clean the litter tray at least once a week. Otherwise, you run the risk of letting harmful bacteria build up in the tray. This can cause bad smells as well as put your cats at greater risk of urinary tract infections.
You should also place the box in a well-ventilated area. I place mine just underneath the window in the bathroom. This can help reduce the buildup of unpleasant smells, although if you are emptying the litter tray every day, this should not be a problem.
If you have more than one cat, you will need to empty the litter tray more often.
Biodegradable Cat Litter
Biodegradable cat litter is made using natural materials that will break down over time. This includes materials like wood pulp, corn husks, wheat, or recycled paper.
Biodegradable litter breaks down over time and is more environmentally friendly. Traditional clay litter doesn’t break down and so contributes to the buildup of landfill sites. Biodegradable litter also tends to have fewer chemical additives in it.
If you have a compost bin, you can empty biodegradable litter directly into it. You may also be able to dispose of it in communal green waste bins, but you should check with your local area’s regulations to make sure this is permitted.
Can You Put Cat Litter Down the Toilet?
You should never flush cat litter down the toilet. Most cat litter clumps and absorbs moisture, so even a small amount can cause a blockage in your toilet. This is true for standard and biodegradable litter.
Always dispose of your cat litter in either a dedicated trash bin or a green waste compost bin.
Disposing of Cat Litter: Where to Take It
It’s important to follow your local waste management guidelines. Your area may allow you to dispose of litter in standard waste bins; others may not, depending on whether they classify it as hazardous waste. Check with your local municipality for detailed instructions.
Some biodegradable waste can be composted, but you must do this safely and correctly. For example, you need to dispose of cat litter on compost that is designated for non-food use, such as soil for flowers.
Some pet stores offer drop-off programs for used cat litter. These are often the most environmentally friendly, as they are designed specifically to dispose of cat litter. Check with your local pet stores to see if they offer this.
Final Thoughts: How and Where To Dispose of Cat litter
Keeping your litter tray clean helps reduce odours, prevents your cats from developing urinary tract infections, reduces the chance of toxoplasmosis accumulating, and in general makes using the litter tray a more pleasant experience for your cat. Don’t forget to empty the litter tray once a day. Fully clean it once a week. Use biodegradable litter and waste bags, and dispose of the litter in a responsible manner.