Cats are beloved companions, but disposing of their litter can be a challenge, particularly when it comes to finding an environmentally-friendly solution.
Plastic bags are a common choice for disposing of cat litter, but they contribute to pollution and waste.
In this article, we will explore several alternatives to plastic bags for disposing of cat litter and offer tips for making the transition.
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How To Dispose of Cat Litter Without Plastic Bags?
Cats are beloved pets and an important part of many households. However, one of the most difficult aspects of owning a cat is dealing with their litter box. Petcheckers Says ”The quickest and easiest way to dispose of cat litter is to throw it in the bin This is also the advice from the Environment Agency.”
Many people use plastic bags to dispose of the used cat litter. But this can be wasteful and bad for the environment because it produces a lot of non-biodegradable waste that takes hundreds or even thousands of years to decompose in landfills due to its synthetic nature.
Fortunately, there are ways you can dispose your pet’s waste without using any plastic bags at all!
Using a Compost Bin
Composting is an eco-friendly way for disposing organic materials such as food scraps and yard trimmings and yes, even kitty litter!
To compost your used cat litter safely, set up either separate indoor or outdoor bins specifically designated as “cat only” composters where you can store both fresh and used litters until they decomposed into soil amendment material suitable for gardening applications.
This method helps reduce environmental impact while providing high quality fertilizer, which will help promote healthy gardens.
Creating an Outdoor Cat Litter Box
If you don’t want to deal with setting up compost bins indoors or outdoors, then creating an outdoor cat littler box may be more ideal solution for disposing your feline friend’s feces in eco-friendly manner instead using conventional plastic bag approach.
All need to build simple wooden frame over grassy area outside home, place some old towels/blankets inside & fill it sand from local hardware store.
Cats naturally like to dig their preferred spot, so once determined what area they prefer just place some extra layers of blankets/towels over top, this facilitates easier cleaning process when time comes to change out sand periodically throughout the year.
Plus added bonus, being able to utilize natural sunlight to aid decomposition process much quicker than traditional methods.
Repurposing An Old Bathtub
If you have a bathtub that is no longer in use, repurposing it as an indoor cat litter box is an easy solution. Line the bottom of the tub with a layer of litter and encourage your furry friend to use it like they would any other traditional box.
When ready to dispose of the waste, scoop it into either a compost bin or container designated for yard waste. This will help keep your home clean and tidy.
Alternatives to Disposing of Cat Litter
In addition to the options mentioned above, there are a few other alternatives to consider for disposing of cat litter without plastic bags.
According to allcatsolutions”Biodegradable bags are available and mean that products like clay cat litters can be disposed of avoiding the use of plastics and means that your litter.”
One option is using biodegradable bags or liners for the litter box, which are made from natural materials such as cornstarch and break down over time, making them more environmentally-friendly than traditional plastic ones.
Another alternative is storing and disposing of the used litter in a designated container, like a metal or glass garbage can. Simply scoop it out into this receptacle as needed, then dispose according to your local waste management guidelines.
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FAQs
Can all types of cat litter be composted?
It is important to select a biodegradable litter made from natural materials like wood, paper, or corn for composting. Clay and silica gel litters should be avoided as these do not break down easily and can pose a risk when composting. Not all types of cat litter are suitable for this purpose.
Can I use a biodegradable bag or liner for any type of cat litter?
Biodegradable bags or liners, made from natural materials like cornstarch, can be used for any type of cat litter. These bags are designed to break down over time and therefore provide a more environmentally-friendly option than traditional plastic ones. To ensure proper use, make sure you follow the instructions provided with the biodegradable bag or liner.
How do I dispose of cat litter stored in a designated container?
Be sure to follow your local waste management guidelines when disposing of cat litter. Depending on the area, this may involve throwing it in the trash or treating it as yard waste. Additionally, to ensure proper hygiene, regularly clean and sanitize the designated container, such as a metal or glass garbage can that is used for storage.
Conclusion
Finding an eco-friendly way to get rid of cat litter is a worthwhile endeavor. Rather than using plastic bags, you can opt for composting, building an outdoor cat litter box or repurposing an old bathtub. Additionally, biodegradable bags and dedicated containers are great options that not only help the environment, but also provide proper care for your pet kitty!
Reference:
- Saikeaw, N. (2021b). Preparation and properties of biodegradable cat litter produced from cassava (Manihot esculenta L. Crantz) trunk | E3S Web of Conferences. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202130202017
- Aesthetics and logistics in urban parks; can moving waste receptacles to park exits decrease littering? (n.d.). Retrieved December 27, 2023, from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2021.101669
Charlene Pare is the founder of Cat Likes Best. She manages and strategizes the content published on this website. When she isn’t working, she enjoys exploring the city around with her Ameican Shorthair kitty–Moli. Being a technocrat and an avid cat lover, she also writes on pet tech products and some of the featured articles.
