City to Install Innovative Dog Waste Containers in Mississauga Parks

The City of Mississauga is launching a one-year pilot program that will convert dog waste into renewable energy and fertilizer. Fifteen in-ground dog waste containers will be installed across eight City parks including the Animal Services facility this spring.

“Dog waste is frequently placed in recycling bins in City parks where it contaminates the entire bin, meaning it has to go into a landfill,” said Paul Mitcham, Commissioner of Community Services. “With approximately 300,000 dogs in Mississauga, these innovative containers have the potential to be well-used and can improve the correct collection of dog waste in City parks.”

City staff collaborated with Sutera Inc., to design a fully in-ground concrete container that holds dog waste for up to six weeks. Storing the waste below ground where it is cooler and out of direct sunlight reduces odour and means that the waste can be collected when the container is full. The waste will be emptied by a vacuum truck and taken to an organic waste plant where it will be safely converted into energy and fertilizer.

The City will evaluate the performance of the containers based on the amount of:

• Dog waste diverted from landfill
• Times the dog waste is collected
• Uncontaminated recyclables
• And pet owner engagement.

The City’s targets include:

• Collect 60 metric tonnes of dog waste annually – that’s equal to the weight of 11 full grown elephants.
• Collect approximately 60 per cent of uncontaminated mixed-recyclable material – this will go towards the Region of Peel’s goal of 75 per cent waste diversion.

To stay informed about ways to live green throughout the year, visit mississauga.ca/environment or follow us on Twitter @MiLivingGreen and Facebook @SaugaGreen.