How to Create a Septic System for Pet Waste

Last Updated: September 15, 2021 References

Tired of your garbage can smelling like dog doo? Looking for an environmentally safe and non-toxic way to dispose of dog waste? Follow these easy steps and in less than an hour you can start using your own natural septic pet waste disposal system in your yard.

Steps

1
Gather your supplies. All of these items can be found at your local hardware store.^{[1]
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- Drill.
- Scissors.
- 1" Forstner Bit (about $12).
- 6" Round Atrium Drain Grate (found in the plumbing section - about $7).
- 6" x 2' PVC Riser (found in the plumbing section - about $9).
- Screening (like what you would use on a screen door - about $5).
- Pet waste enzyme tablets.
2
Using the 1" forstner bit, drill multiple holes in the lower 18" of the PVC pipe, leaving the top 6" free of holes.^{[2]
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3
Cut screening to fit once around the outside of the PVC riser. Use a staple gun to secure. The screen will help keep dirt and sand from seeping through the holes in the PVC pipe (ultimately filling your hole back up with dirt), but will allow water to drain properly.
4
Dig a hole approximately 22" deep by 8" wide. Just enough to fit the pipe vertically while leaving about 2" of the PVC riser sticking out of the ground.^{[3]
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5
Place the PVC riser vertically into the ground and backfill with dirt around the outside of the pipe.
6
Put the poo in the hole.
7
Drop in a pet waste natural enzyme tablet.^{[4]
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8
Fill the PVC pipe to the top with water.
9
Place the atrium grate on top of the PVC riser. This will help keep out leaves and other debris, as well as rodents and other small animals.^{[5]
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10
Add waste and water (as needed) on a daily basis. Water will need to be consistent to maintain a "sludge" in the bottom so that the enzymes can do their work in decomposing the waste.

Community Q&A

Question

How does I know when the mini septic system for personal use, or the pet system, is full?

Community Answer

If it's done right, it should overflow in the yard (and never in the house).

Warnings

Wash your hands after handling enzyme tablets.

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Place your septic system away from house windows, water wells, or heavily trafficked areas.

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Check with your local utility district before digging to ensure there are no underground pipelines (water, sewer, electricity, gas, etc.) in the area you wish to place your system.

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Although non-toxic, keep children and pets away from system.

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Do not mix enzyme tablets with other chemicals such as chlorine or caustics as they can affect the biological action.

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