Official State of Rhode Island website

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Pet Waste Is a Pollutant

Dog at the dog park

Did you know that in addition to being a nuisance, pet waste is also a significant pollutant found in stormwater runoff? Pet waste left on sidewalks, streets, and lawns washes into storm drains and then to the nearest water body, without treatment. The solution is easy: pick up pet waste and dispose of it properly! When walking your dog, bring a bag to pick up the dog poop, and throw in the trash—never a storm drain.

Does your community have a local park or highly trafficked street where pet waste is often left to wash into storm drains? Consider installing a pet waste station to encourage proper pet waste disposal