Before we get to the big issues this morning, let’s pause for a moment and marvel at this breakfast:

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Oh yeaaaah.  That’s a triple stack Grilled Banana Sandwich.  A triple stack because I was at the end of my loaf of bread and two pieces were just too tiny for breakfast. 

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So, so good.  I really do think GBS are my favorite breakfast of all time.  But, onto more pressing matters…

 

A Very ‘Urgent’ Debate

 

The Husband and I have been debating a certain smelly topic for years, and I’m like YOU to be the tiebreaker.

 

This debate relates to dog poop.  Yes, dog poop.

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Our little dogs create a lot of poop.  In fact, you could set your watch by Maggie’s poops (8 AM, 5 PM, 9 PM).  And since we don’t have a yard, we walk our dogs down public streets, which means that we pick up their poops with plastic bags.

 

Yay, poop!

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Anyway – I have this thing about carrying around poop bags.  I hate it.  I don’t mind picking it up, but I want the bag out of my hand as quickly as possible.

 

Enter:  other people’s trash cans.

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Here’s the debate:  If you’re walking your dog on a public street and come across a neighbor’s trash can that has been set out on the curb for trash day, is it OK to put your dog’s poop inside another person’s trash can?  ALSO – does your answer change depending on whether the trash has already been picked up? (I only do it if the trash hasn’t been picked up yet.)

 

The Husband says it is NEVER acceptable to put doggie poop in someone else’s trash, and I say, “Who cares?! It’s a trash can and the poop is in a sealed plastic bag.”

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Please settle this marital debate!   What should we do with our doggie do-do?

{ 352 comments }

 

  • megan @ whatmegansmaking October 5, 2010, 8:29 am

    ha, great topic! I’d say it’s ok to put it in someone else’s trash can if the trash is coming later that morning. Otherwise no…wouldn’t it make the trash can smell?? Of course I say that, but seriously, I probably wouldn’t put it in anyone’s trash can ever…I’d be too afraid of someone getting upset with me.

    • Chelsea October 28, 2011, 5:21 pm

      dont trash cans smell anyways? LOL! Whats a little poop with rotten eggs, old food, bathroom trash waste…

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday October 5, 2010, 8:30 am

    I usually put my poop bags in municipal trash bins, not in ones that belong to people.
    I don’t know if there is anything wrong with putting it in someone else’s bin, per se, but I definitely wouldn’t feel comfortable doing it.

  • Emily October 5, 2010, 8:30 am

    As long as it’s trash day I sat it’s fine…and that it goes into the barrel cleanly without any more mess. My dad is totally that neighbor that like looks out windows and doors for people who are having their dogs poop on our lawn, he hates it! He’s also a bit crazy though…

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels October 5, 2010, 8:30 am

    AH a topic I’m quite passionate about since unfortunately our trash cans are visible from the front of our house. If it was at the curb and not picked up then YES . . . if sitting at the house, or already picked up NO . . . I don’t even have a dog so it kind of enrages me to find dog poop in my trash cans, it smells weird and we only have pick ups every other week

  • Liz @ Blog is the New Black October 5, 2010, 8:31 am

    OMG, hilarious post! I don’t have a dog and I don’t know what’s acceptable, but I say go for it! How will they even know? At least you’re picking it up!

  • maria @ Chasing the Now October 5, 2010, 8:31 am

    I agree with you Caitlin, especially if the can is already at the curb to be picked up. However, if it’s already been picked up for the week I don’t think it would be too kind to leave someone with your dog’s poop for another week.

    It’s going to be picked up one way or another, who cares what can it comes out of?

  • Carly (Swim, Run, Om) October 5, 2010, 8:31 am

    I hate walking with poop, which I end up doing a lot because I swear Bowser’s colon must be like a whistle, but I agree with your husband … not okay. What if someone accidentally threw away something important and they run out to the trash can in a panic, and then on top is a nice, steamy bag of poo?

  • Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels October 5, 2010, 8:31 am

    First off, you’re breakfast looks wonderful! 🙂

    Now onto poop, haha! I completely agree with your husband. Sorry Caitlin!

  • Joy October 5, 2010, 8:32 am

    First of all – holy lots of poop Maggie!

    Okay so I had this same debate (with myself) and I came up with it’s okay to put it in barrels that haven’t been emptied yet.

  • Lauren October 5, 2010, 8:32 am

    This sounds like a debate my husband and I would have as well… I say put the poop in any trash receptacle! That’s what I do ;).

  • Em October 5, 2010, 8:33 am

    If the trash hasn’t been picked up yet, and the bin is on the street and full, sure! It’s fair game. Dump it in there. But if the trash has been picked up, then you have to suck it up and keep on with the poop.

    I’ve been known to throw any sort of trash in other people’s trash cans (as long as the cans are full). Not just poop.

  • Erica October 5, 2010, 8:33 am

    Ah! I totally look for places to put my dog’s poop bags. Especially when I’m running with my dog, there is nothing worse than having a poop bag slap your arm with every step. My husband does it too. Our only thing is that we don’t like to be seen doing it. So we only do it if there are no cars at the house or people around outside!! I do try to save it for dumpsters for apartment buildings rather than individual homeowners.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat October 5, 2010, 8:33 am

    I think it’s highly acceptable to put it in someone else’s garbage bin. After all, if they’ve taken their bin is out to the curb, they’re never going to know your dog poop is in there anyway, right? The next person to take it away will be the garbage man, who probably couldn’t care less whose poop it is. Definitely siding with you on this one Caitlin! 🙂

  • Laine @ Beets, Butter & Mountaintops October 5, 2010, 8:34 am

    When I had that issue, I would put it in other people’s trashcans if the trash had not been picked up already. If the can is empty, keep the poo until you get home.

  • Katie October 5, 2010, 8:35 am

    I say it’s never OK to put a poop bag in someone else’s trash can! I only say this because prior to having a dog, I would certainly not appreciate a stinky bag of poop sitting in my can that could end up being in there until the next trash day. Whether or not the trash has already been picked up is debatable….if someone put the bag in there at night, the trash got picked up in the morning and I never knew about it, I suppose that’s a different story!

    Being a dog owner now, I would NEVER put the bag in a neighbor’s can. I hate carrying the bag around more than anything, but I would be mortified to be known as the person who dumps the poo bags in random trash cans!

  • Michelle October 5, 2010, 8:35 am

    If the trash hasn’t been picked up yet, I always put my doogie poo in other peoples’ trash cans. It’s about to be emptied anyway and it’s not like I’m just throwing the poo in there uncovered! I totally agree with you!!

  • Brittney October 5, 2010, 8:36 am

    This is so not what I thought this post would be about! LOL! I wouldn’t put it in other peoples’ trash cans, I’m kinda with your hubby there. I’m lucky in that we have special bins planted all over my neighborhood and they even have poop bags attached, so I use those if he goes when I’m out walking him.

  • Andrea (@ Puppy Dog Tales) October 5, 2010, 8:37 am

    OMG…this is too funny. I remember before our yard was “in” we walked the dogs one entire winter down our streets….one of our dogs was totally annoying and woulnd’t “go” anywhere but on our property. Ha! Well, I’m with you on wanting to get rid of the bag ASAP, but I think I”m with your husband on the fact that I wouldn’t feel right putting it in a neighbors trash can.

  • Tami October 5, 2010, 8:38 am

    we live in an area where we would just throw it all in the woods

    but i guess if it’s trash day, I guess it would be OK.

    i wonder what your neighbors would say?

    • Caitlin October 5, 2010, 8:44 am

      See if someone put their poop in my trash can, I wouldn’t care! LOL

  • Whit October 5, 2010, 8:38 am

    I think it’s totally fine to put your dogs poop in other peoples trash cans, regardless of whether the trash has already been picked up. I think about it like this: if it were my house I would rather have the person walking their dog pick it up and throw it in my trash can than leave it on my lawn. And really, who cares if there is a bag of dog poop in there? Even if the trash has already been emptied, I’m just going to put more trash in there and it already smells bad by virtue of being a trash can, so why not!

    • Amber K October 5, 2010, 10:58 am

      I was undecided, but I agree! I’d much rather it be in the trash than on my property for me to step in.

      But only if the trash hasn’t been taken already! I’m sorry, but poop smells WAY worse than my regular trash and the bag will probably pop open and spread poop all along the bottom of my container if I unknowingly just threw a big bag of trash on top.

  • Layla October 5, 2010, 8:38 am

    Eeek! I think it’s ok ONLY if the trash hasn’t come yet. I’d be hecka pissed if I had dog poop in my trash can when I rolled it back inside – YES, INSIDE, because our HOA dictates that ours has to be in our garage. Also, we don’t have a dog. So hot garage….other people’s dog poop….smelly garage….this pretty much equals a trash can I’m going to have to clean and some choice words for whoever did it.

  • Bailey October 5, 2010, 8:39 am

    Ironically I just watched this episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm last night (it’s an older episode, and the youtube video quality sucks) but I thought this was funny, and this video suites the debate very well! haha

    As for my answer… I think it’s okay if they haven’t picked up the trash yet, so it’s goes out right away… for any other case… I think you just gotta make sure you have completely protected your hands and have a strong bag!

  • Samantha October 5, 2010, 8:39 am

    As a dog owner, I would never ever ever do this. We’ve had bags in our own garbage get squished open (we use the biodegradable/compostable bags), and I can’t imagine doing this to anyone else. Now public trash cans I’m okay with. Just my two cents.

  • Cristy October 5, 2010, 8:39 am

    What a perfect topic to read while EATING MY BREAKFAST! haha 🙂

    I don’t think it’s a big deal if the trash hasn’t been picked up yet. I’ve done that a few times in the winter when my puppy has gone right at the beginning of a long walk. Usually I try to find a public trash can, though.

    If the trash has already been picked up, I would say NO to putting it in there, only because the poo will begin to smell (even in the bag) after a week, and I wouldn’t want someone to do that to me so I would try not to do that to someone else. Plus, fermenting poo in a trash can is really nasty, I think even more so than regular trash.

  • Jen October 5, 2010, 8:39 am

    Sorry to say I don’t agree with you, but I’m with the Husband! I don’t think it’s appropriate to use other people’s trash cans, unless they are clearly marked for public use.

  • Bailey October 5, 2010, 8:40 am

    hrmm.. my video didn’t show…. here’s the link:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5fTyrz63Qw

  • Rachel October 5, 2010, 8:40 am

    I’m with your husband on this one!

  • Michelle October 5, 2010, 8:41 am

    If there is a trash can on the curb…I always put the poop bag in there. Its a trash can. I don’t think anyone would mind. So I am on your side!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey October 5, 2010, 8:42 am

    I would say if the trash is coming later in the day, go for it. Otherwise, I’d steer clear of other people’s trash cans. That could just be a smelly smelly mess for your neighbors!!!

  • Jess October 5, 2010, 8:42 am

    I think it may be illegal dumping!

    • Caitlin October 5, 2010, 8:45 am

      hahah really???

      • jess October 5, 2010, 3:31 pm

        one time i got in trouble (well, yelled at) by a neighbor for doing just that! her husband is a cop…so I guess I assumed that she knew what she was talking about??? Eek! imagine how embarassing that would be, a ticket for that!

  • Karen October 5, 2010, 8:42 am

    I’ll admit that I’ve done it before–I HATE carrying poop for very long! That said, I usually try to walk my dogs along a route where there are public bins. There’s a park a block and a half from my house, and I almost always take my dogs there to dispose of the poop.

    I should add that using another person’s trash is technically illegal (“theft of services”), though most people are reasonable enough not to call the police. I have known of cases in which people were ticketed for it, though.

    • Tabatha October 5, 2010, 8:48 am

      That’s funny, because legally once you put your trash at the curb, it becomes public property and your trash can be searched and seized without a warrant (police procedure… check the Penal Code).

      • HTP Dad October 5, 2010, 8:53 am

        The Supreme Court agrees with Tabatha – no expectation of privacy apples to trash, and the local gov’t or waste company owns the trash can – so toss that poop with impunity – but tie the bag off first!

        • Caitlin October 5, 2010, 8:58 am

          I learned this from Law and Order!!! LOL

        • Ashley October 5, 2010, 10:15 am

          LOL!!!! Awesome.

      • Angela October 5, 2010, 8:57 pm

        “That’s funny, because legally once you put your trash at the curb, it becomes public property”

        Dumpting trash in someone else’s private trash can is illegal. While it’s true the police can search trash on the curb without a warrant, this doesn’t mean your trash can itself is public property that can be used for public dumping (compare to your car – just b/c it’s parked on a public street doesn’t mean the public can do as they please to it).

        • Karen October 5, 2010, 10:21 pm

          Thank you–that was exactly what I was trying to say. 🙂

    • Karen October 5, 2010, 9:22 am

      I should clarify: it is considered “public property” for the purposes of search and seizure, but most municipalities have laws in place that prohibit people from using other peoples’ trash receptacles. The laws are mostly aimed at the deadbeats who don’t want to pay for trash pick-up, and use city bins and/or their neighbors’ bins to dispose of their own trash.

    • Caitlin October 5, 2010, 10:24 pm

      Huh, well whether it’s legal or not, clearly people don’t like it so I’ll stop doing it 🙂

      • Karen October 5, 2010, 10:30 pm

        🙂 Like I mentioned earlier, I’m guilty of it too–and I’m a lawyer who should know better, haha. It really depends on the municipal laws, but most places prohibit it. I wouldn’t personally mind if someone put their poop in my trash can; I’d be more happy that they didn’t leave the poop on my lawn!

  • Bee @ beeskneeslife October 5, 2010, 8:42 am

    As someone who doesn’t own any pets, I have always just assumed pet owners take the poop carrying as part of the territory of owning said pet. I guess if the can was full and out for pick up, it would be okay. I guess I tend to agree with your husband on this one though! I would be peeved if I found doggy do in my just emptied can.

    • Angela October 5, 2010, 9:02 pm

      I totally agree. I don’t want to deal with dog poop so I don’t have a dog. I have once a month trash pick-up and keep the trash can in the garage during the month. It’s pretty annoying to find a doggie bag at the bottom of my empty trash knowing it’ll be sitting there for the next month. Yuck.

  • Sara October 5, 2010, 8:43 am

    I happen to have fairly distinct poo bags (pink with white strips) and I did one time put my dogs poo in someone else’s trash can which was out near the curb, still full waiting to be picked up. I walked back by the same place the next day only to find a pink bag with white strips filled with poo sitting on the sidewalk. I don’t know if the owner saw and dumped it out or if the trash guys missed it….but I never did it again.

    • Caitlin October 5, 2010, 8:46 am

      this actually made me LOL

  • Emmanuelle October 5, 2010, 8:43 am

    😀
    I wouldn’t feel comfortable putting poop bags in someone else’ trash cans, I would go for the municipal trash bins or keep the “thing” with me, making sure I packed it reeeaaaallly well!

    Well ok here in my neighbourhood, we don’t have trash cans, we just put our trash bags out on the day of pick-up (not before, or we get fined), and we make sure the bags can’t be opened. So municipal trash bins it would be!

  • Tabatha October 5, 2010, 8:45 am

    If the can is empty, I would never want someone’s dog poop in my can to sit there for another 4 days until the garbage comes again. So gross. Now if it’s on the curb and the garbage “man” hasn’t come yet, I’m already left for work and what do I care? It’ll be gone before I retrieve my can from the street….. so go for it.

  • Nicole October 5, 2010, 8:46 am

    Nope, never acceptable. I have three dogs so I ‘get’ dog poop. But I don’t want someone else’s dog poop in my trash can.

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete October 5, 2010, 8:46 am

    Sorry Caitlin, I have to agree with your husband. We don’t have pets and I would be ticked to find dog poop in our garbage can. I know it is garbage — but it would still irritate me. The garbage can stinks enough on its own, we don’t need any added smells!

    I’d say hang onto the poop bags until you get home or until you find a public garbage can.

  • Jayna @ Healthy Living Bites October 5, 2010, 8:46 am

    Breakfast looks amazing!!!!

    Now, onto poop. . . I would HATE it if some of our neighbors put dog poop in our trashcan, even if it’s tied up in a bag. We have enough trouble keeping the thing from reeking permanently from the diapers that go in there (in bags as well I might add), I certainly don’t want to add dog poop to the mix. Would you want me to add my daughter’s dirty diapers to your trashcan regularly? Trust me, no matter how sealed the bag is some of the stench still gets out!

    Is there another solution? Can you have a small “poop pack” you can carry with you and throw the bags in there until you get home?

  • Kelly October 5, 2010, 8:46 am

    If the trash hasn’t been picked up yet, I think it’s perfectly fine. However if it’s an empty trash can that is going to be wheeled back up to the house, I say no.

  • Andrea October 5, 2010, 8:47 am

    I gotta say use a municipal trash can or take it home because in the summer time our trash pickup is super-early, like 6:30 AM. I have actually LEAPT out of bed upon hearing the trash man at the end of the street to get our can to the curb in time. If I don’t know they’ve picked up already, I could roll my cans to the curb and still have trash at 6PM. Other times, there is no pick-up on trash day (like Thanksgiving). And I really do not want someone else’s dog doo sitting in my trash can for a week until the next pick-up. Sorry, I’m with your husband on this one.

  • Nate October 5, 2010, 8:48 am

    Yo HTP. You betterr watch it – Horse and Hound magazine might run an expose next month about you and your blog causing impressionable young pet owners to give their dogs laxatives to try to keep up with Maggie’s perfect/unrealistic/extreme regularity 🙂

    • Caitlin October 5, 2010, 8:59 am

      Thank you for the giggles!

    • Paige (Running Around Normal) October 5, 2010, 9:09 am

      omg I am rolling!! LOL

    • Layla October 5, 2010, 10:01 am

      Bahahahah! That’s awesome!

    • laura October 5, 2010, 10:39 am

      HAHAH awesome!

    • Jo @JAGSfitnessblog.com October 5, 2010, 11:45 am

      LMFAO thank you for the giggle!

  • Freya October 5, 2010, 8:48 am

    I think you could put it in a neighbour’s trash..as long as it wasn’t empty, it’s all rubbish so where’s the problem? Hmm…interesting debate!!

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman October 5, 2010, 8:50 am

    It depends. If I’m the one holding the poop, then yes. If it’s my trashcan, then no. I know, not quite the answer you were looking for.

  • Amanda Davis October 5, 2010, 8:50 am

    I don’t see a problem with that although its probably preferable if the trash hasn’t been picked up

  • Maria @ a healthier Maria October 5, 2010, 8:51 am

    I think it’s a little disrespectful to put it in someone’s trash can, especially when the trash has already been picked up. However, if it is trash day & you can set it on top of their garbage bags so that it was SURE to get picked up, I say why not? Though I probably wouldn’t do it to my more curmudgeonly neighbors.

    • Maria @ a healthier Maria October 5, 2010, 9:09 am

      Also, what if you carried a small paper bag to put the poop bags in until you got back to your house? That way you wouldn’t have to see it or deal with it. & to be less wasteful you could even reuse the bag every day since it wouldn’t get dirty.

  • Debbie~ October 5, 2010, 8:51 am

    I agree with your husband…it’s never acceptable to put a bag of poop in other people’s trash can.

  • Paige October 5, 2010, 8:52 am

    I don’t see a problem with it, as long as the trash hasn’t been picked up for the day. If you put it in a trash can that has already been emptied, that poo is just going to sit in their trash can emitting…odors. I usually try to hold out for a public trash can though.

  • Laura October 5, 2010, 8:53 am

    I’m not sure I wouldn’t do it, I would be too scared of someone seeing me do it!! I wouldn’t mind if someone put it in my bin though so maybe that’s silly… We use this bag attatched to our lead which means you don’t have to hold it so directly, it holds the poo bags too which is useful! http://www.spottiedottie.co.uk/dicky-bag—dog-poo-bag-holder—standard-4686-p.asp

  • Laurie October 5, 2010, 8:53 am

    Caitlin, I feel your pain! It seems no matter what, when I take my dog on a walk, he likes to poop in someone’s yard! If someone has their garbage can out before pick up, I see no problem putting it in there, but like your husband said I wouldn’t feel comfortable putting it in there if garbage was already picked up.

  • HTP Dad October 5, 2010, 8:54 am

    I don’t like the topic being the same two days in a row.

    • loreejo October 5, 2010, 3:04 pm

      ha! am i the only one that gets this? funny dad.

      • HTP Dad October 5, 2010, 3:09 pm

        I guess!

        • Caitlin October 5, 2010, 5:14 pm

          Haha i got it and loved it.

      • HTP Dad October 5, 2010, 3:09 pm

        I guess!

  • Sara October 5, 2010, 8:55 am

    I think it’s fine to put your dog’s poop in someone’s trash can as long as the trash hasn’t gone yet. I mean, that’s what it’s for .. it’s a TRASH can .. poop=trash

  • Carly (Swim, Run, Om) October 5, 2010, 8:55 am

    So I’m the only one who thinks Maggie’s poop schedule is realistic? Bowser poops every other hour.

  • Lacey October 5, 2010, 8:56 am

    nooooooooooo! don’t do it!!!! hahaha.

    suggestion: find a public trash can (if you live near any parks? or sometimes just at street corners?). otherwise you’re stuck with it. you could get a garbage bin to keep outside your house somewhere/ in the back/ etc. that is just for dog poop.

  • Kelly October 5, 2010, 8:58 am

    I agree with your husband. I think it’s rude! I have a dog, too, and he won’t go in our yard, so we walk 3x a day, and he poops 2x a day. As tempting as it is to toss it into someone else’s bin, I won’t do it. I would not want another dog’s bagged poop in my trash can – empty or not. I guess, to me, trash is personal – regardless of what’s in it.

  • Rebecca October 5, 2010, 8:59 am

    Fun topic – I think it is acceptable to put the poop bag in a full trash can but not an empty one. Besides if the trash can is on the curb for pick up how would the “trash” owner ever know you made a deposit. You should check out http://www.portapoo.com just in case you lose this debate 🙂

  • Jil @ Peace, Love & Munchies October 5, 2010, 8:59 am

    I think I would try to find a public trash can of some type prior to putting it in anyone else’s. However, if I had to, I might dump it in someone’s trash on the street but only if the trash hadn’t been picked up yet. But public trash bins would be my first choice.

  • Jill October 5, 2010, 8:59 am

    As a dog owner, I probably wouldn’t care if someone put a bag in my trash can, but I would never do it. Dog poop stinks. It’s bad enough that I have to deal with it, I am not going to inflict it on one of my neighbors.

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) October 5, 2010, 9:00 am

    Nah I do not think it’s cool to put my dog’s poo in others’ trash cans. Just because I think if I looked out my window and saw someone else doing it, I’d worry that either the bag wasn’t tied well enough, that it was really runny (yuck!) or if it was really *really* smelly.

  • erin October 5, 2010, 9:01 am

    my husband and i have had this discussion! i think it’s ok if it’s trash day and the trash hasn’t been picked up yet. (but if the trash can owner is outside, i’d be totally embarrassed if they caught me. so maybe that means it’s actually not ok?)

    i live in dc and in my old hood a lot of the trash cans were kept right in front of houses, just off the sidewalk. people would get PISSED if you threw a poop bag in there (and they weren’t dog owners) and often wrote notes asking you not to. i usually just carry it back to my house or put it in a city can, if we pass one. we buy the citrus scented bags that are fluorescent orange, yellow and green, so our neighbors would be able to figure us out quickly.

  • Jordan October 5, 2010, 9:02 am

    I have mixed feelings on the issue. My first reaction was noooooooo – never put your dog’s poo in somebody else’s trash can. I have to pick up my pup’s poo twice a day and always carry it back to my house in it’s pretty blue poo bag. I’ve always been tempted to toss it in another trash can but I always think to myself, “How would you feel if you found dog poo in your trash can?” and as silly as it may seem – I would care if somebody did that to me. However, if it was trash day and the trash hasn’t been picked up yet – then it might be ok. I wouldn’t do it but that would be the only time that it would be acceptable.

  • Katie @ Her Inner Shine October 5, 2010, 9:03 am

    Hahaha – you and your husband would sounds like me and my husband if we had a dog. I agree with you that it would be fine if the garbage was going to be picked up later but I can totally see my husband agreeing with your husband on the issue.

  • Sara October 5, 2010, 9:05 am

    I feel you, Caitlin, I majorly dislike walking around with dog poop in a bag. But I don’t think it’s OK to use someone else’s trash can (I’d like to) but I’d be worried that it is unacceptable. I think neighborhoods should have little doggy stops with a trash can for dog poop. Thank goodness we have a fenced yard now, but when we go on walks–the bag gets handed off to the husband.

  • allison @ thesundayflog October 5, 2010, 9:06 am

    i think it’s ok to put it in their trash as long as it hasnt been picked up yet. there is nothing worse than going to get ur garbage can after trash pickup only to find someone put their dog’s poop in it! chances are the owners of the can aren’t going to be looking in the trash after its on the curb, so i say it’s safe 🙂

  • Mellissa October 5, 2010, 9:06 am

    I don’t put the doggy poo in other peoples garbage cans, I end up carrying it with me all the way home unless I see a garbage at a park or on a trail.

  • Ashley (whole-ier) October 5, 2010, 9:07 am

    It is NOT ok to do this. I always want to- but poop stinks and sometimes people have to keep their trash cans in their garage. If the bag were to get torn and poop was stuck in the trash can it wouldn’t be good.

  • Holly B October 5, 2010, 9:07 am

    omg have you seen the Curb Your Enthusiasm where Larry puts like, a gum wrapper in someone’s trash can and the guy FREAKS out?? Thanks for the laugh on a Tuesday AM 🙂 Oh- and I guess it’s ok if the trash hasn’t been picked up…and there is no chance of poop escaping and getting on/in the trash can.

  • Alaina October 5, 2010, 9:07 am

    I’m with you! I would totally put it in someone else’s trash can if the trash hadn’t been picked up yet. I wouldn’t mind if someone put it in my trash can on trash day 😀

  • Jenny October 5, 2010, 9:08 am

    It’s as if you’re inside my head! I have this moral dilemma constantly. I’m with you in that I want the poo out of my hand as fast as possible (especially if I’m running), but I feel super guilty when I put it in someone’s garbage can. However, if someone were to pick up after their dog and put it in my can, I would be grateful that they picked up after their dog instead of leaving it in my yard. If I use someone else’s garbage, I try to put it in the can of a known dog owner.

    Solution: I seriously plan my walking and running routes in areas where public garbage cans are available. Parks, bus stops, dumpsters behind businesses. Throwing poop away in those areas makes me feel much less guilty.

    • mandy October 6, 2010, 8:10 am

      Jenny – get a dicky bag and you can walk and run wherever you want and be completely guilt free!

      glad you’re keeping fit though.

      • Jenny October 6, 2010, 8:53 am

        That is hilarious! Now, if only I could attach it to the dog somehow so he can carry his own poop while we run.

        • mandy October 6, 2010, 9:30 am

          You can.
          if he wears a harness it clips to the top or the harness strap can go through the belt loop so it doesn’t bash about, it’s what i do with my bag!
          i have tried to think of everything ;~)

  • Holly B October 5, 2010, 9:08 am

    …also, I think there are doggy poop bags that you flush down the toilot and are they decompose. I think they are supposed to be more green” since you’re not trashing plastic every time

  • lindsay October 5, 2010, 9:09 am

    Oh my gosh, I have wondered this same thing SO many times!!! I honestly think its probably always wrong, but I will admit to doing it IF the trash has not gone out yet AND the can is open or does not have a lid…can’t wait to read all the other responses!!

  • Hannah Hawley October 5, 2010, 9:09 am

    I totally want your breakfast!

    As for doggy poo, if the can is at the curb awaiting pickup, go for it. However, if it has already been picked up or is next to someones house, no.

    Double bag it if you have to carry it further.

  • Neen @ Broad Bean to Runner Bead October 5, 2010, 9:11 am

    i think its totally ok to put it in someone elses bin, emptied or not, its better than it sitting on the pavement!

  • Kimberly October 5, 2010, 9:11 am

    I was anti using other people’s trash cans for a while but, like you, I hate carrying it around. I feel free to throw it in a Dumpster if I pass one (like at a gas station) or in a garbage can out for pick up. If the trash men have come by and it’s empty, I won’t use it.

  • Michelle October 5, 2010, 9:12 am

    I always put my dog poop in trash cans by the side of the road! There is like no public trash cans in my neighborhood and no one’s ever complained!

  • Nathalie October 5, 2010, 9:12 am

    Haha, love this debate! I am with your husband on this…I don’t think it’s right to put it in someone elses trash can , so I wouldn’t do it. Public bins ok, private ones not ok I’d say. I have two large dogs and we go on two walkies a day and I take them running as well- and it’s soooo not nice or cool or convenient to be running/ walking with poo bags dangling off my wrist, but that’s just how it is until I come past a public rubbish bin- otherwise I take it home with me.
    I don’t comment often…I can’t believe I felt the need to weigh in on the poo debate of all things!? 🙂

    • Caitlin October 5, 2010, 9:15 am

      Clearly people get riled up over poopy!

      • Nathalie October 5, 2010, 9:21 am

        lol, so true! Well, at least we’re all ‘picker-uppers’ 🙂

  • Jerilynne October 5, 2010, 9:12 am

    If it’s trash day and they’ve put their trash can out to be picked up later that day I don’t see what difference it makes! Maybe I’m just feeling a little feisty this morning but I think that would be a pretty funny argument if the person who the trash can belongs to tried to give you a hard time!! It’s not like you’re sneaking into their house and leaving them a present in their kitchen trash can or something. If the trash has already been picked up though, I think that’s a different story!

  • Janene Giuseffi October 5, 2010, 9:13 am

    If it’ll be picked up later that day, i say go for it! if not, that’s just icky!

  • Brooke October 5, 2010, 9:13 am

    hilarious! i hate carrying bags too. in my neighborhood, we have trash cans just for this that are strategically placed. however, my dogs seem to do their business when we are walking outside of our neighborhood. figures! i’ve debated putting my “scented and biodegradable” bags in someone elses trash can, but i haven’t. given my luck, i fear that the owner of the trash can will look out their window at precisely the same time that i’m doing this and i will be “caught”.

    so, to answer your question….i’ve thought about it but never have. i definitely wouldn’t do it if the can was empty. my hot pink bags are just too easily spotted. i’d be too easy to track down. 😉

  • PhillyGirlRuns October 5, 2010, 9:15 am

    This is a hot topic in our neighborhood, because I live in a subdivision where nearly everyone keeps their trashcans directly outside their garages, which back up to roads that everyone walks down. The HOA has put out MORE THAN ONE newsletter with a specific direction to put dog poop in your own trashcan or a HOA-maintain “public” can, and NOT in a neighbor’s can. Some of my neighbors feel so strongly about this that they have bought padlocks for their trashcans – that seems a little extreme to me, but whatever. I know I get annoyed when I open my trashcan to put something in it and I see trash that I KNOW isn’t ours (e.g. mcdonald’s bag when neither of us eats fast food), because WTF? It’s MY trashcan! If I’m not by a HOA can, I carry the poop back to my house – we have a special little can in the garage just for poop bags than I dump into the big can on trash day.

    • Caitlin October 5, 2010, 9:16 am

      Omg. I can’t believe people padlock their trash cans!!!

  • Kristin October 5, 2010, 9:15 am

    I don’t know, I don’t think I would put poop in someone else’s trash can, but I do throw it into a dumpster if I know I won’t pass a public trash can for a while (we live in the city too). I usually suck it up and carry it.
    I have seen bag carrier thingies that clip onto your leash to serve this exact purpose.

  • Leah @ L4L October 5, 2010, 9:15 am

    LOL. Very urgent indeed. I put them in any trash can I come across. We also use biodegradable ones so if we are in the park, I can throw it in the brush (that no one goes into) and not worry about it. Also, one of the places we regularly walk them has doggie spots with little cans and bags stationed around.

  • Jenna October 5, 2010, 9:15 am

    Lol. This has me laughing, because I totally put my dogs poo (in a baggie) in a neighbors trash can this morning. I always go back and forth between if it is right or wrong, but I usually sneak it in anyway. 🙂

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) October 5, 2010, 9:16 am

    I’m on the “if it hasn’t been picked up yet” side. What difference does a little extra garbage make.

  • Val @ Balancing Val October 5, 2010, 9:16 am

    As long as I’m not stepping in it, put it where you want! 😉

  • Lily @ Lily's Health Pad October 5, 2010, 9:17 am

    My gut instinct is that it’s wrong. Simply because it’s someone else’s trash can. That wouldn’t necessarily stop me from doing it though….

  • Lori (Finding Radiance) October 5, 2010, 9:19 am

    I would never put dog poop in someone else’s can. People pay to put out their own garbage. What if the person doesn’t own a dog and say the bag breaks in the can and smears dog poo on the inside of that? I wouldn’t want to have to hose out dog doo out of my garbage can.

    Nobody really likes carrying poop bags around, but those downsides to being a pet owner are far outweighed by the joy they bring.

  • Me-Linh @ Sweet and Sweat October 5, 2010, 9:22 am

    One time I did that (on a trash day) and the lady ran after me and told me to take the poop out of her trash can.
    So scarring.
    So usually I just hold on to the poop and throw it away at the local school near my house. But if that didn’t happen to me I would probably just use other people’s trash cans only on trash day!

  • Camille October 5, 2010, 9:23 am

    I would actually say no… unless there is no other choice. I’m just imagining someone coming up to my trashcan and doing it and I think I might be a little grossed out.
    This is coming from someone with a very poopy cat and dog!

  • Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion October 5, 2010, 9:24 am

    Sorry, Kristien- I am with Caitlin on this one. I too pick up Oscar’s poop in a little baggie. On Wednesday mornings (our trash day) if the trash has no been picked up yet I will throw the bad in there. If it has been picked up I would NEVER because I think that is rude and gross.

  • Stephanie October 5, 2010, 9:25 am

    ehh as a dog owner i’m going to have to go with the husband and say that it’s a no-no to put your dog poop in someone else’s garbage… i would not be happy if i found dog poo in my trash can!

  • Karen October 5, 2010, 9:25 am

    I’ll be honest, I only use other peoples’ cans if I am running with the dog. If we’re just out for a walk I’ll suck it up and carry the bag until we come across a more public trash can in a park or at a bus stop. If I’m running though, carrying the bag is such a hassle that I’m more inclined to use someone else’s can if it’s at the curb and there’s trash in it still. I always feel a little guilty about it though. Oh and I’m also much less inclined to use someone else’s can in the heat of summer when things can get more stinky than the cold of winter.

  • Rachel October 5, 2010, 9:25 am

    I would say save the poop for your own trash!

    On a side note – do you ever go to Great Harvest anymore? You used to alway post about it and loved it, but I haven’t seen any of their delicacies lately on here!

    • Caitlin October 5, 2010, 9:32 am

      I think I broke my Great Harvest addiction – it was getting expensive. LOL But I do need to go back soon!

  • Stefani October 5, 2010, 9:25 am

    I say if the trash hasn’t been picked up yet, then go for it. I wouldn’t care if someone put something in my trash if it’s going out anyway. However, if they put it in there after it’s been picked up, that would irritate me. But, I would get over it and realize there are more important things in the world to worry about that what trash is in my trash can. 🙂

  • Mel October 5, 2010, 9:26 am

    I am so relieved that this is the “debate” today. I am sure you are too 🙂

    At least you are picking it up…and it is contained when you put it in the trash can. I try to look out for a public trash can but I have been know to throw it away in someone else’s if the trash has not been picked up. I wouldn’t mind if someone used my “full” garbage to dispose of their poop bag.

    Can’t wait to see who “won” this one.

  • Jen October 5, 2010, 9:27 am

    No, I don’t think its ok to put in other people’s trashcans. (even on trash day)

    It smells despite the plastic bag! I’ve been tempted too but I don’t think I’d want it done to mine either. I’ve put our dog’s poop in our can all sealed up and you can still smell it!

  • Tiffany October 5, 2010, 9:27 am

    when i walk my dog i make it so our morning and evening walks went by a dumpster of a store or an apartment and flick the poop in as we walk by.

  • Beth October 5, 2010, 9:27 am

    Hahahah I loooove this topic! I have a yard, so this isn’t ALWAYS an issue, but if the trash bins are out, and the trash hasn’t been picked up yet, I think its okay. I try to find a public one if I can, but if not, that will suffice. It’s better than littering! And honestly, I wouldn’t mind if someone put their baggie of dog poop in my trash can. Going up to the side of someone’s house would be crossing a line, though.

  • Anne Weber-Falk October 5, 2010, 9:27 am

    Into the can it goes I say! Whether the can is full or empty it would go in. It is garbage. If the can is full and ready to be picked up, good. If the can is empty put it in there anyway because it’s in a bag that has been tied shut. No smells because it’s in a sealed bag and would be covered by their smelly garbage anyway.

  • Lexie October 5, 2010, 9:31 am

    That is hilarious! I do the same thing and put our dogs poop bags in other people’s trash cans, but only if it has not been picked up yet. It won’t be in there long enough to stink up the trash can…so why not? 🙂

    I am a dog owner so I wouldn’t care if someone used my trash, but I could see how someone who doesn’t have dogs might disagree.

  • Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) October 5, 2010, 9:31 am

    I totally toss it into the neighbors can—i don’t care if the garbage was just picked up and its a fresh bin. Sometimes I even seek revenge with my dogs poop. My neighbors always have BBQ’s in their back yard and inevitably their nasty chicken bones end up in my back yard. Eleanor (my bully) finds them and always chokes– one time so bad that I thought she was going to die. I confronted the neighbors, another chicken bone in hand, and then for about 3 weeks straight used their trash can for each and every dump she took. Don’t mess with my dog, bitches!

    • Caitlin October 5, 2010, 9:36 am

      major LOLs

  • Runeatrepeat October 5, 2010, 9:31 am

    It is the worst to have to walk around with a smelly dog of poop – especially if you still have a long way to go. If I see a trash can I throw it in.
    A lot of people around my mom’s neighborhood don’t pick it up at all! That is tragic. Using someone else’s trash is not.

  • vann October 5, 2010, 9:32 am

    Ack, I think it might be illegal!? 🙂

  • Heather October 5, 2010, 9:34 am

    once you put your trash at the curb it’s technically not private property anymore, I would do it. I do it on runs with empty water bottles. who cares? I wouldnt do it if the can is empty though.

  • Lauren @ Health on the Run October 5, 2010, 9:35 am

    hahaha! I love this debate!! I struggle with this same thing EVERY day!! Fortunately I live near a hospital, so I purposely walk by the trashcans they have out on the sidewalk to dispose of that poop bag as quickly as possible. Because somehow, that doesn’t seem as bad as putting it in a neighbor’s can…

    Anyway, I usually only put them in the neighbors’ trash cans if it’s garbage day and the trash hasn’t been picked up yet. And even then I feel weird about it (so sometimes only do it under the cover of darkness, haha). I won’t do it if the can is sitting on the curb empty, though. I know it’s just trash and the bag is sealed, but I just feel bad leaving the stinky poop bag in there for a week. Kind of ridiculous really! But I just never know if there’s some sort of unspoken rule about this! Are you supposed to be throwing your trash into neighbor’s cans?? Clearly the amount of time I spend thinking about this is sort of insane…

  • Cynthia October 5, 2010, 9:35 am

    Hmm . . . I don’t think it’s illegal to put something else in someone’s garbage cans. The garbage people may nor like it very much, but that’s about it. 🙂 Other than that, I would say as long as the trash hasn’t been picked up then it would be okay.

  • Chrissy (The New Me) October 5, 2010, 9:37 am

    If the trash hasn’t been picked up yet, I say go for it. Otherwise, it would be rude to leave a poo bag in someone else’s trash can for a week!

  • Evan Thomas October 5, 2010, 9:38 am

    I’m with you; who cares? The trash is all going to the same place anyway.

  • amy October 5, 2010, 9:39 am

    No way. I don’t think it’s ok to put a bag of dog poo in someones trash can. I wouldn’t feel right just opening up a neighbors trash can and throwing in it, even if it was sitting at the curb. I would look for a public trash can somewhere and throw it in there.

  • Kelly October 5, 2010, 9:39 am

    I think its rude to whether the trash has been picked up or not!

  • Joanne October 5, 2010, 9:41 am

    That is just too funny! We have a bucket for most “close proximity” poop. For most daily lengthy walks, our first stop is the Community College to put the poop bag in one of their garbage cans.
    I’ve only dumped in peoples trash on about 2 occasions and ONLY when the trash hasn’t been picked up. I don’t know why, but I feel bad about it and would just DIE if I ever got caught.
    So 1. I agree with your hubby and 2 (hipocritically) I do what you do because I can’t stand holding it.

  • Joanne October 5, 2010, 9:42 am

    By the way… ran my FIRST MARATHON Sunday! If you want to check out my tips see yesterday and todays post. It was such a GREAT experience and I achieved my goal.

  • sharon October 5, 2010, 9:43 am

    Thank you for choosing healthy foods to eat. I found the blog world after treatment for lymphoma. I new it was time to give my body the opportunity to fight off disease on its own. You inspire and encourage me to eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains through out the day. And you never deny yourself treats. You display BALANCED LIVING. Now I can pass what I am learning on to my husband & children by example. You are eating what God has created for our bodies to thrive. YOU Caitlin are a POSITIVE EXAMPLE!

    • Caitlin October 5, 2010, 9:46 am

      <3 I wish you the best in your fight against lymphoma!!! Keep doing all you can do to nourish your body against the disease. Stay strong!!! xoxoxo

  • Katie H. October 5, 2010, 9:44 am

    I have to agree with your husband, although I am guilty of placing a poop bag in someone else’s bin (it was trash day but still). I have a little four pound yorkie and his poop is about the size of my pinkie so carrying it around in a plastic shopping bag doesn’t bother me. However, when I dog-sat for my best friend’s lab I quickly learned the difference between 4 lb dog poop and 75 pound dog poop. Obviously a lab’s poop is going to be much more substantial than a yorkie’s but dealing with it up close and personal was a whole different experience. Ew. I felt so bad putting it in a neighborhood trash can but I rationalized that it was being picked up that day. Still, yuck. I would be wicked pissed if I saw someone placing their dog poop bag in my trash bin.

    Wow, that is a lot of poop talk this early in the day 😉

  • Julie October 5, 2010, 9:44 am

    I don’t even put the poop bags in my own trash can until the day the garbage can is full because I’ve had too many bags explode at the bottom – so NO to putting them in empty cans!

    I think it’s technically legal to put them in a can out on the street, but I still wouldn’t do it. I wouldn’t want someone putting it in mine.

    I used to throw them in an apartment complex dumpster as I walked by, but now I just carry them with me and feel less guilty about the whole thing.

    • Jessica October 5, 2010, 9:58 am

      It is not legal. Not technically or otherwise.

  • skinnyrunner October 5, 2010, 9:45 am

    sure, throw it in their trash can, why not? or if you’re mad at your husband that day, throw it at him. i have done that before…

  • Jessica October 5, 2010, 9:46 am

    It is illegal! Also, what if the bag breaks and now that person has dog poop all over their garbage can, which they may bring into their garage or close to their home. I don’t have dogs and personally would be very, very, very angry if I saw someone do that. I get angry over that kind of stuff and can’t promise I wouldn’t contact the police. I know that is somewhat an overreaction but don’t mess with MY garbage can.

    • Stephanie October 5, 2010, 1:38 pm

      The broken bag in the trash can has happened too many times to me. I wanted to put a lock on our can.

    • Betsy October 5, 2010, 3:55 pm

      Wow, dude, you have issues.

      • Jessica October 5, 2010, 3:58 pm

        Issues?? Really? Because I don’t want someone else’s dog shit in my trash can? Because I would contact the authorities to inform them of a violation of the law?

        • Caitlin October 5, 2010, 5:15 pm

          Haha – let’s let trash cans be trash cans.

  • Kristina October 5, 2010, 9:46 am

    I agree with the Hus…part of me wants to put it in someone else’s trash, but I will not do it. Despite the poo being in a sealed bag, I think if someone caught me doing it they would be pissed! I suck it up until I pass a city public trash can.

  • Paige @ Two Runners And A Brown Dog October 5, 2010, 9:46 am

    I think it’s okay to put the poop in someone else’s can…as long as the bag is tightly sealed and has no chance of coming open and getting stuck in their can.

  • Erica October 5, 2010, 9:49 am

    Eh, I’d have to say it’s rude. I’d be upset if someone did it to me, even if the trash WAS coming. It’s sort of like an invasion of personal space when someone touches your property like that. I’d put the plastic bag in a different plastic bag and wait till I got home or a public dumpster. Hey, at least you’re picking it up!

  • Alison October 5, 2010, 9:50 am

    No, most definitely not. It is their property, and you could even get yourself into serious legal trouble by doing so.

    • Beth October 5, 2010, 10:11 am

      actually, once something is in a trash can, it’s no longer “your property,” legally.

      • Beth October 5, 2010, 10:14 am

        although, the trash can may be considered your property, depending on where you live. ours our technically owned by the city we live in.

  • RhodeyGirl October 5, 2010, 9:54 am

    It is NEVER ok. Keep your dog poop to your own trash please.

  • Corey @ The Runner's Cookie October 5, 2010, 9:55 am

    Haha I think it’s fine as long as the trash hasn’t been picked up – but I know a lot of people are not “dog people” and don’t want anything to do with dogs or their poop and would get upset if it were in their trash can. I might only do it with neighbors I know well, or just ask them first!

  • MaryBe October 5, 2010, 9:56 am

    Have to agree with your husband on this one – I would be way too embarrassed to do that. In a public trash receptacle yes but not a private one. Maybe I feel differently because in our (samll) village there is no trash pickup, we have to buy special bags (at $2 each) and take it to the landfill ourselves.
    On a more appetizing note, that sandwich looks epic!

  • Charlie October 5, 2010, 9:56 am

    I wouldn’t mind if someone puts something in my trash can. But there could be people offended.
    I see people going through trash cans to find things to keep more often, so putting something in it doesn’t seem that bad :P.

    And I’m drooling over your breakfast.

  • Lindsay October 5, 2010, 9:58 am

    there is alot of poo between my two labs, and i have to pick ours up with poo bags as well. i never put trash in someone else’s trash can…i have no idea why. i think they might get offended to have poo thrown in their trash. but i wouldn’t mind it if someone threw it away in mine, because mine is already filled with plenty!

  • Christie October 5, 2010, 9:58 am

    Thank goodness i have a yard! 🙂

    Really though as a homeowner I totally wouldn’t care if someone put poop in my trashcan so I say go for it. At least you pick it up!

  • Lauren October 5, 2010, 9:59 am

    Without having read others’ comments and going based on my initial opinion, i don’t see anything wrong with putting it in other peoples’ trash as long as they haven’t been picked up yet. I definitely don’t think its acceptable to put it in someones trash that’s still on that curb but has already been emptied. However, i don’t see the harm if it’s full… it’s all going to the same place!

  • Regina October 5, 2010, 10:00 am

    As long as the trash will be picked up THAT DAY and it’s not sweltering hot outside, I say it’s OK (although personally, I’d feel uncomfortable doing it). Otherwise, no. If it’s too hot it can make the whole trash can smell like poop even if it’s only in there for an hour or two. And no one wants a poppy trashcan (especially if they don’t even get the benefit of kisses from the furry one who made the stinky mess)

  • Carolyn@eatlivebewell October 5, 2010, 10:00 am

    ha ha ha. No, it really isn’t okay to put my dog’s poop in someone’s trash can that will go stink up their garage. It is bad enough stinking up my own.

    Have I done it? HELL YEAH! I like to target those people that like to leave their trash can out for 5 days and not put it in their garage like everyone else does. They also leave trash around it that my dog likes to rummage through.

    It is my sweet revenge.

  • Maggie October 5, 2010, 10:05 am

    Living in NYC I see people do this all the time in trash cans that are just sitting in people’s “front yards.” I think that’s kind of rude, but as long as the trash is at the curb waiting to be picking up what’s the difference? I say go for it!

  • Katheryn October 5, 2010, 10:06 am

    I agree with you. If the can is at the curb and hasn’t been picked up yet, I think it’s fine.

  • Whitney @ Whitinspired October 5, 2010, 10:07 am

    Definitely no. I know its just a trash can and its got garbage in it anyway, but that person still pays for it and probably doesn’t want dog sh!t in it. I used to hate carrying it around too..it’s so gross. But I just think it’s a no-no to put it on someone else’s trashcan!

  • Amanda October 5, 2010, 10:09 am

    This is tough patooties. I’d say it depends on how smelly the poop is, but who really wants to spend time assessing the odor level of their dog’s poop?

  • Leslie October 5, 2010, 10:09 am

    Totally okay to put it in the neighbor’s trash can if it is on the curb and waiting to be picked up!

  • Claire October 5, 2010, 10:09 am

    Haha I love it. I am totally guilty of putting my dog’s poop in other people garbage cans (even if the trash has already been taken…eek). I mean, it’s not like they’re going to be putting the trash can inside their house right? And people but their dogs poop in my trash can (which I truly don’t mind), so it’s only fair right?? Haha.

  • Natalia - a side of simple October 5, 2010, 10:09 am

    I think I’m going to post a picture of that breakfast on my wall. You know, for inspiration to get out of bed in the morning 🙂

  • Jen October 5, 2010, 10:10 am

    If it’s trash day and the cans are on the curb and the trash hasn’t been picked up yet, I have tossed it in. But I would never go up to someone’s house and toss it in or toss it in an empty trash can sitting on the curb.

    I’ve also been known to use outdoor trash cans at parks, schools and fast food restaurants. All fair game to me.

    That may be insenstive, but it’s better than if I left the poo in their yard.

  • Teacherwoman October 5, 2010, 10:11 am

    I think it boils down to personal preference. I think that I, personally, wouldn’t want to drop poop off in someone else’s bin, even if it hasn’t been picked up yet (and definitely NOT if it has). But, that’s just me. I think that you do what you want to do and the hubby can do what he wants to do… unless you are walking the dogs together, and then you need to compromise. Maybe your hubby will carry the dog poop (in a baggie) if you don’t want to and he doesn’t want to let you drop it off in someone’s trash can. 🙂

  • Liz October 5, 2010, 10:11 am

    I’m with your husband – just think if the person who lived there walked out – I would be totally embarrassed for doing that. I have to say that one of the perks of living in a city is that there are public trash cans on a lot of corners, so I usually don’t have to carry poop very long.

  • Kristin October 5, 2010, 10:14 am

    You can totally put it in a neighbors trash can if it’s full and on the curb to be taken out first thing in the morning! Trash is trash.

  • Leslie Moore October 5, 2010, 10:14 am

    only okay if not picked up and I say never do it with anyone watching. Does that mean it is still okay…not sure haha

  • Paj October 5, 2010, 10:15 am

    I’m a dog owner too and have to say it is NOT ok to leave a dog poop bag in someone else’s trash can. It is inconsiderate on a personal level, but even worse, makes all dog owners look lazy and thoughtless. Most people without dogs already assume owners don’t clean up after their dogs anyway, so this just adds another layer of distrust to those of us who do clean up after our pets.

  • Shannon, Tropical Eats October 5, 2010, 10:18 am

    LOL i would totally put it in a random trash can. who wants to carry around a poop bag??

  • Mary-Heather October 5, 2010, 10:18 am

    If it’s a city dumpster or outside trash can, it’s ok, if it’s a home trash can – no way! Your husband is definitely right about this. I have a dog and I would never do that. I can see the point of people who think it is ok on a trash day if the cans are full and have not been picked up but I personally think it’s wrong and wouldn’t do that either, and I would be so irritated if I saw someone doing that to my trash can – even though obviously there is plenty of dog poop in bags in my can already. Just carry it home and put it in your own trash!

    Honestly, there isn’t a dog owner out there that loves carrying around poop but we all have to just sack up and do it – it’s part of the responsibility of owning a dog.

  • Ashley October 5, 2010, 10:18 am

    If the trash can is full, and it clearly hasn’t been picked up, dump it in [as long as it’s bagged + tied off. If the trash can owner really thinks about it, it’s better that people are using bags to pick up the poop than leaving it in a yard. I would never dump in an empty can or walk up to the side of someone’s house to dump it in. It’s TRASH. It all STINKS.

  • sara October 5, 2010, 10:19 am

    If it hasn’t been picked up yet who gives a sh*t, literally 🙂 They’ll never know. If it has been picked up that is def not nice. Just make sure it’s tied up so it doesn’t end up…errr…decorating the inside of the garbage 🙂
    -Dog owner in Manhattan, you should SEE what goes on HERE

  • Caroline October 5, 2010, 10:19 am

    No, no, no, it’s never OK! That’s disgusting, even if it’s put in before the trash is taken out. Then if someone puts something else in, there’s a pile of poo…or if they need to look for something in the bin as someone else mentioned. Like, I can accept it if I put gross stuff in but if I come and find someone else’s shit in there, that’s just disheartening. Plus, I don’t think the smell of repeated dog poo in the trash can goes away and I don’t feel comfortable handling the trash can that someone else has dumped stuff into.

  • Jenna H October 5, 2010, 10:21 am

    I think it’s fine! It’s TRASH. Sometimes I think people get so caught up in little things that don’t matter, and I’m sorry, but if finding dog poop in your trash that’s going to be picked up anyway is the greatest problem in your life, you’re doing pretty dang good. :]

  • Mrs. Muffins October 5, 2010, 10:21 am

    I only know this from cop shows… but once the can is out on the curb, cops, investigators, etc. can search for evidence and it’s legal. So, assuming that’s correct and not just some TV mambo jambo, I say it’s free to throw your doggie bags into. And yeah, it’s only fair that you do it only if it hasn’t been picked up yet. I have to say, I would be sorta embarrassed if someone caught me putting poo in their trash though 😮 Hee hee

  • BethT October 5, 2010, 10:21 am

    Yeah…in San Francisco, that might get you yelled at! I have been tempted because I hate carrying around the poo bags, too, but even if the trash hasn’t been emptied I think it’s rude because there’s always a chance the bag could open and empty into their can. Not fair to them.

  • Samantha October 5, 2010, 10:22 am

    I suppose if the trash can is sitting at the curb waiting for pickup, then what’s the harm? But personally, I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing it. If the bag happened to burst open and stink up their trash can, that would be awful! I wouldn’t want that happening to me. I don’t like holding onto the bag, either, but I usually wait until we come across a public trash can. Sometimes, if we’re going on longer walks, I take a larger shopping bag and put the poop bag in it so I don’t have to hold it so close to me the entire walk!

  • Allison W. October 5, 2010, 10:23 am

    I side with the husband on this…If I looked out my window and saw you putting a bag of poop in my trash can, I’d think you were playing a very mean joke!

  • Orla October 5, 2010, 10:25 am

    I live just outside a very small town with 3 (yes 3 bins) THey are in the centre of the town in the space of about a quarter of a mile. THe 3 mile walk that I bring the hound on has no other bins at all so if he decided to poop in the area that there are no bins and someone has theirs out for collection you can be sure that I will pop it into theirs.
    Otherwise, I am left carrying it for 2.75 miles! I double bag it all the time though. It is the one thing I hate about being a dog owner. Saying that, very few dog owners actually scoop here in Ireland. It is very uncommon in the countryside – drives me bananas. It is just lazy if dog owners don’t clean up and I *may* be known in the area for saying loudly to people who don’t clean up after their dog -“I have spare poop bags if you have run out to scoop up after your dog”
    tee hee!

  • Elise October 5, 2010, 10:26 am

    Caitlin,
    3 times a day!?? What are you feeding your dogs? Your blog focuses a lot on your own health and foods that you put in your body. I would hope you’re feeding your dogs holistic or organic foods. Have you done any research into what is in dog food? I’d recommend getting some Natural Dog Health books, I think you’d be surprised (I have some recommendations if you’d like). My dog eats only raw meat (yes, I am a vegetarian that feeds my dog organic raw meat, can you believe that?). I would recommend looking into their diet. 3 times a day sounds like they are getting too much waste in their foods and not enough nutrients are being absorbed.

    Back to the poop issue…I think it depends on where you live. If you live in the city, I think it’s acceptable because most people are renting, and trash sometimes gets picked up more often. If you live in the burbs, I think people get really territorial about their trash cans and THEIR property.

    “Territorial about their trash cans”…sounds so wrong doesn’t it?

    • Caitlin October 5, 2010, 10:27 am

      Elise – Maggie seriously has the worst’s most overactive digestive system even when I do feed her the holistic or organic stuff. I think it’s because she’s so long? Her intestines are extra long?

      • Carly October 5, 2010, 10:37 am

        Maybe it’s a small dog thing? My Toy Fox Terrier poops 3x a day and eats organic dog food that costs more than what I feed myself lol.

      • kelly October 5, 2010, 10:40 am

        Don’t worry about it Caitlin, I feed my dog one of the highest quality foods out there (wellness core) and he poops 3 times a day. That is just his digestive schedule (he’s also a longer small dog) 🙂 Totally normal!

  • Michelle @ IronDivas October 5, 2010, 10:26 am

    I would say no… not sure why, but I know that if I saw someone elses poop in my trashcan that it would irritate me. This may be from having what I call “only child syndrome”… MY belongings are MINE! lol. It would almost feel as bad as finding the poop itself in there, I just would kind of feel disrespected. Just like I did the other week when I came home and found dog poop in my front yard and I live in a bottom level condo so it was only a few steps from my door… It must’ve been a dog the size of a horse cause it looked HUGE! I couldn’t believe someone had the nerve to leave that there. I live in a pretty dog friendly neighborhood so it surprised me… we have special bins that even have the baggies attached in case you need them.

  • Samantha October 5, 2010, 10:27 am

    I don’t mind if people put their dog poop in my trash can, but I have dogs and the trash can smells already. I say no to other people’s cans because it can really get stinky if it stays in there even a short time. If they don’t have pets it might bother them.

  • Elizabeth October 5, 2010, 10:29 am

    Hahahahaha! This is a very urgent matter, indeed! Our frenchie is also a total party pooper. Fortunately, however, we have a municipal trash can adjacent to his “spot,” so we never have to fret over the should I/shouldn’t I of other people’s trash. I am with you, though– if your neighbor’s garbage hasn’t been picked up, I think it’s totally fine.

  • kelly October 5, 2010, 10:30 am

    haha, I don’t think it is ok, unless you are good friends with the neighbor and you know it is ok. I have picked up poop in front of someone’s house before and they told me to put it in their trash can, so that was nice 🙂 I’ve also done it when it is dark outside… no one will know.. right? 🙂

  • kim October 5, 2010, 10:30 am

    Absolutely not. That’s really gross, lol! I don’t have a dog or any other pet and I’d be absolutely pissed off if I saw someone putting their own dog poop in my can. If you have a dog, you have to deal with the poop…not me. What if I went back out and got a nose full of dog mess when I went to put more trash in there??? It’s just really really gross. Dog poop is seriously one reason why I could NEVER have a dog. You have to take it home and deal with it there…your dog, your can.

  • Molly @fuelherup October 5, 2010, 10:31 am

    It’s totally acceptable! I thought everyone did that!

  • Kelly October 5, 2010, 10:33 am

    I wouldn’t ever put my dogs poop in someones trash can. What if you opened up their trash can and found something disturbing? Or disgusting? Eeew.

    However, there is a public trash can on the route that I walk Olive, and I do drop off the poop bags there fairly often. Why is this different? I guess because its anonymous? If I find some kind of weird thing I don’t know whose it is? Although, I’ve heard that *technically* (at least in our area) you aren’t supposed to dispose of dog (or cat)poops in the garbage so I suppose maybe the public trash can isn’t the best idea either.

    (Is it weird that the thing that deters me the most is other people’s possible dirty secrets? LOL!)

  • Kjirsten- Balanced Healthy Life October 5, 2010, 10:36 am

    I think it is only okay if the trash cans are already out at the curb and the garbage hasn’t been collected yet. But all other times it is a big no! If I saw you doing that, I would probably just be happy you didn’t leave your dog poop in my yard for me to clean up (I hate when this happens- we don’t have a dog and can’t believe neighbors would leave poop in our yard)!

  • Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks October 5, 2010, 10:39 am

    I think you probably shouldn’t throw dog poop in other people’s trash cans. I don’t think I would like it if people did it to mine. Dog poop has a miraculous power, where its odor can escape sealed plastic bags and making people’s trash cans smell like turds is not very neighborly!

    This conversation makes me very glad to live in a big city. When I lived with my sister and brother in law, I used to occasionally walk their dog, Onyx. I hated picking up dog poop and I hated carrying it around with me. Luckily, living in San Francisco, there is a public trash can on essentially every corner. I have no problem making the city’s trash can’s smell like dog poop. Seriously, they often smell far worse than that.

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg October 5, 2010, 10:39 am

    I’m with you on this one– it’s okay, as long as the poop is safely sealed and the trash has NOT yet been picked up.

  • chrissy October 5, 2010, 10:40 am

    Oh man, I justttt moved to a neighborhood (from NYC) and always have this issue. I don’t mind chucking it in someone else’s trash… if it hasn’t been picked up of course!

  • Michelle October 5, 2010, 10:41 am

    I do not think it is right to use anyone’s trash for any means, especially poop. Your dogs, your poop. Part of owning dogs is dealing with their poop yourself.

  • Eliza October 5, 2010, 10:42 am

    Well, my personal opinion is that I would be more disgusted seeing someone carrying around a bag of doo doo then throwing it in my trash, I would say TRASH IT ASAP!!

    Also, I really desperately need “the big 6” to know how much you have helped me change my eating habits and disordered ways for the BETTER.

    I can honestly say that you have helped end my fight with the scale. I used to be so guilt ridden when I ate a “bad” food or didnt get to the gym but after reading about your healthy eating and lifestyle I have changed my ways so much. It really hurts me personally that this magazine tried to show you girls in a such a negative light. You have been such an inspiration for me in more ways than one, and I really hope you know that.

    How cool is it that YOU had such an impact on MY life ?! And we’ve never even met 🙂

    • Leanne @ Simplicitlee October 5, 2010, 10:44 am

      I agree with you completely! You’ve done the same for me Caitlin. I haven’t weighed myself since June because of ending the fat talk & you’ve shown me ways of incorporating more healthy living into my life.

      Thank you 🙂

      • Eliza October 5, 2010, 10:46 am

        Yes, THANK YOU !!

    • Caitlin October 5, 2010, 11:02 am

      THANK YOU BOTH!

  • Ashley October 5, 2010, 10:42 am

    I wouldn’t do it because if that person doesn’t have pets they would never understand. My BF cant even understand how I can pick up the poop in the first place, mind you I dont touch it with bare hands, I use a little blue poop bag. I have a dog and I throw my poop bags in mine but NEVER anyone elses.

  • Leanne @ Simplicitlee October 5, 2010, 10:43 am

    I think if the garbage will be picked up that day it’s NO big deal… otherwise, just carry it until you either arrive home or arrive at a public place with public garbages.

    Would you mind if you saw someone open up your trashcan to put doggie do-do in it? I guess that’s the best way to answer this question!

  • Beth @ 990 Square October 5, 2010, 10:43 am

    It’s not okay! That stuff stinks up the can and if you live in an urban area, it can attract rats!

  • Nicci@NiftyEats October 5, 2010, 10:46 am

    Interesting,if the trash can is next to the curb and I know it’s pick up morning,it’s okay. If I’m not familiar with pick up day, then I’ll pass and keep walking with my poo. Also depends on the dog and poo. I don’t want someone down the street yelling at me leaing my ”stinky” poo in their can. lol

  • Clare October 5, 2010, 10:46 am

    I think it’s one of those times when, if you have to ask, it’s not okay.

    Back when my doggy was still alive, I had a neighbor that would watch like a hawk to make sure no one did it. That smell just lingers forever, even if the trash gets picked up the same day. I think it’s the person that owns the trash can’s right to have it smell the way THEIR trash smells, not like the poo of every pup passerby. 😉 I think you can get ticketed for dumping, too.

    I’m with your husband this time but totally feel for you.

  • susan October 5, 2010, 10:48 am

    I go with The Husband on this one. Your poop goes to your can. I hate to carry my dog’s poo, too. woof, woof.

  • Reenie October 5, 2010, 10:48 am

    I have 2 indoor cats ~ and I scoop their litter box once a day ~ and put it in lil baggies and then put it in my dumpster can. Sooooo I could care less who adds their dog-poop baggies to my trash =)

  • Holly S. October 5, 2010, 10:49 am

    We have dogs, so I know what you are talking about, I don’t like carrying it either, but think about if you DIDN’T have dogs and someone put a bag of poop in your garbage can. Even if it is on trash day, the smell can still seep out of the bag and stink up the can, so that when they pull the can back into their garage the smell will linger – and no one wants that smell around. So, I think it’s best to just carry it and put it in your own can. Sorry!

  • collette October 5, 2010, 10:50 am

    We have special dog poop trash cans dotted around local parks/go walking hot spots. Do they not have those over in the U.S? Maybe it’s just a U.K/London thing? x

  • Kristen October 5, 2010, 10:50 am

    I agree with Caitlin, if the trash can is full and on the street ready for pick up then toss the poop in there. If the can is empty then it’s rude to put poop in there. We don’t even put our pups poop bags into our trash til the end of the week (trash is in the garage) we have a spot in the back yard where we leave the bags (bright blue) til trash day. Our next door neighbors have a 4 year old son who was playing in our back yard the other day, we all held our breath as he went near the bags, luckly he ran right by them.

  • Kelly October 5, 2010, 10:50 am

    I definitely think it’s okay to do, especially if you consider whether or not the garbage has been picked up or not. I just don’t see the big deal I guess? I’ve definitely done it before with my dog’s poop!

  • Emily October 5, 2010, 10:51 am

    If it’s trash day, well, have at it. That being said, you’d have to catch the trash cans on our street on Tuesday morning before 8am. And it goes out at 6:30am!

  • Kierstan @ Life {and running} in Iowa October 5, 2010, 10:57 am

    I would say no to putting it in other people’s trash cans, but that’s just me and I would be freaked that someone would see and get mad. I probably wouldn’t mind if I saw someone put it in our trash can AS LONG AS the trash hadn’t been picked up.

    • Stina @ Girl Can October 5, 2010, 11:02 am

      I think this is why I don’t ever put my trash in other people’s cans either. I’m to scared of getting caught and having some crazy person, like, chase me down the street or something!

  • Nicole October 5, 2010, 10:59 am

    No- I would never put my dog’s poop in someone else’s can. The city trash cans, yes, but a regular trashcan out on the curb, no. What if the bag breaks? They could put something sharp on top of it, and then they have dog poop all over their trashcan. I hate carrying dog poop too, but I would never put it in someone else’s garbage can.

  • Stina @ Girl Can October 5, 2010, 11:00 am

    I’ll drop my poop bags in public trash cans or dumpsters, but I generally don’t leave them in other people’s garbage cans. I just don’t feel comfortable dropping my garbage (or any kind) into other people’s cans.

  • Jess @ atasteofconfidence October 5, 2010, 11:02 am

    I think I’d be scared people would get mad at me!

  • manda October 5, 2010, 11:02 am

    my boyfriend and i have the same debate. he thinks the same as you, whereas i will wait and hold onto the poo bag until a public garbage can, or until i get home. i wouldn’t care if someone dropped their poo into our garbage, but i know people can get a little crazy and territorial and i don’t want people yelling at me! haha. i also don’t let our dog pee on other peoples lawns and try not to let him poop there either, but my boyfriend has no problem with that. people get way more upset over that!!

  • Katie (Sweet Tater) October 5, 2010, 11:03 am

    throw that poop in the trashcan at will! nobody’s trashcan is too good for a sack of poop.

  • Melissa Miller October 5, 2010, 11:04 am

    Trash picked up? No.
    Trash waiting to be picked up? Yes.

    I totally am with you on this, Girl.

    ~Missy

  • Tracey @ TropicalHappiness October 5, 2010, 11:05 am

    Ok, since we’re talking about poop, want to hear a funny story? My parents have a new puppy, and she eats a raw diet 2x per day. So exactly 3.5 seconds after she eats, she has to poop. No joke, it’s like there is only so much space inside her little body, so when she puts food in, it pushes the poop out. It is hysterical to watch her do it. Thankfully, she is litterbox trained (yes, a dog- dog litter!) so she eats and hops in her little box to poop.

    But anyway, about the trash thing, I would only do it IF you are 100% sure the trash hasn’t been picked up yet, and it is going to be picked up soon (next few hours). Those bags smell, especially if the can sits out in the sun! So if it an empty can, no one else should have to deal with someone else’s dog poop for the next 3 days until the trash is picked up again.

  • Dominique October 5, 2010, 11:06 am

    As much as the idea of holding a bag of doggy doo-doo squigs me out, I’m siding with your husband on this one. I don’t think it’s okay to pu something in someone else’s trash bin, regardless of whether or not it’s garbage day. The BF is lucky to have a new off-leash dog park in histown and the people are diligent about picking up after their dogs and holding onto the bags. There are also lots of public trash bins in the area and along the parks/reservoirs where people might be walking their dogs. I guess I’ll be walking around holding a bag of ‘doo when the BF and I get a dog.

  • Morgan @ Healthy Happy Place October 5, 2010, 11:09 am

    I wouldn’t do it. I personally wouldn’t care if a neighbor dumped some poop in my trash can, but I can’t say that they would feel the same way. I’d just carry it home and put it in the trash at my own house.

  • Kerry October 5, 2010, 11:09 am

    hahaha. I wasn’t expecting this post today! I say, you win. Crap belongs in a trash can and as long as it’s trash day, you’re in. What do you do when it’s not trash day and all the cans arent on the curb!?

  • Maren October 5, 2010, 11:11 am

    Trash is trash. Those people don’t want what’s in their trash can for a reason, they threw it away! What’s a little doggie doo gunna hurt? 🙂

  • Tracy October 5, 2010, 11:12 am

    What are you doing on the other 6 days (assuming garbage pick-up is once weekly)? If you can handle walking around with a bag of poo on those days, what’s another day? It’s one of the negatives of being a dog owner, but it’s also one of the realities of being a good dog owner.

    I really feel like it’s your dog’s poop, therefore it’s your garbage, and you shouldn’t be putting it in other people’s cans. Sure, it’s wrapped… but what happens when/if the garbage removal service person accidentally forgets it in their trash can (the little baggie could fall to the bottom), and it starts to smell? Poop smell will permeate plastic bags eventually.

    I’d be ticked if someone was putting platic-wrapped poopie in my trash!

    That said, thank you for at least picking up your dog’s poo. It’s more than some of my neighbors do.

  • Hallie October 5, 2010, 11:13 am

    You ask the tough questions! My rule is like yours. If it’s trash day and it hasn’t been picked up, or it’s late at night and the filled trash can is out to be picked up in the morning. Otherwise, I carry the baggie until I get home, which is just lovely. Another debate…what type of bag? The compostable kind you buy, or do you use recycled grocery bags if your fiancé refuses to use reusable bags when he goes to the store (ok, perhaps I’m projecting there…)

  • Theresa @ActiveEggplant October 5, 2010, 11:20 am

    I love this post. I decided a while back that I can only put the poop bag into someone else’s can if 1-it’s garbage day and the bag is already out at the curb and 2-if there isn’t a lid on the garbage can. Basically, if I have to “open” the can to get the baggie in there, it’s off limits. That might be totally irrational and not make sense to anyone but me, but that’s how I do it!

    One solution you might consider for “storing” the full baggies is to get a diaper genie. That way you don’t have to put it with your regular garbage, and the diaper genie will make sure any smells are contained! (This doesn’t solve the whole carrying it back to your house problem though…)

  • Nooo October 5, 2010, 11:20 am

    Love you, love your blog, think that “journalist” was a hypocritical shit-stirrer.
    But no, you can’t put your dog’s poo is someone else’s trashcan. It’s inconsiderate (bags do break) and it’s gross. Yes, it’s a trashcan but some people like to keep theirs from smelling like poo, and having a stranger drop their dog’s bacteria-infested, steaming turds in there messes with their bin chi. If it’s too gross for you to carry around then it’s probably too gross to put in someone else’s property.

    • Christine October 5, 2010, 9:30 pm

      hahaha i love this comment

  • Jessica October 5, 2010, 11:21 am

    We live in a neighborhood that provides poop bags and trash cans for poop only. BUT sometimes we’re walking and there’s no poop can to be found. Our neighborhood banned garbage cans and we’re required to place our plastic bags on the curb. I feel a little guilty when I drop a bag of poop next to the neighbor’s bags.

  • Dynamics October 5, 2010, 11:23 am

    You all are not going to like my response but here goes. DO NOT let your dogs poop on someones lawn. That is just plain rude and inconsiderate. Some people take pride in their property. Some have great lawns. Your dogs should be going for a “walk” and not pooping on “private” property. I hate it when dogs poop on my lawn. The flies come and a lot of times the lawn turns yellow. Dogs should poop at home NOT on private property!!!

    As far as the bags go, do you guys not have flies? How about parking your poop bag and retrieving it on the way home?

    • Anne @thefitbridesmaid October 5, 2010, 11:33 am

      We try to keep our dog from peeing/pooping on private property. We keep her towards the strip of grass between the sidewalk and street. But seriously, they need to go SOMEWHERE. At least we pick it up.

      • Dynamics October 5, 2010, 11:37 am

        I am of a different view. My dogs go BEFORE they go for a walk or AFTER their walk. NEVER on someones lawn. Using the boulevard is a great option! Sometimes dogs poop cannot be 100% picked up and lots of poop is left behind.

      • Dynamics October 5, 2010, 1:03 pm

        Hmm. Yes, in the backyard (away from the patio). We go for walks to “walk”. Their business is done on their property. And just to blow your mind. My dogs go on command. (Get Busy) This goes back to my Guide Dog training.

        • Anne @thefitbridesmaid October 5, 2010, 1:55 pm

          A) We rent and our landlord SPECIFICALLY asked that our dog not poop on her property. April poops half the time on the public path that we walk.

          B) A friend of mine trains guide dogs and does the same thing. We should work on that. It’s really annoying when our dog doesn’t go and then comes back and whines thsht she has to go.

    • Debbie~ October 5, 2010, 12:50 pm

      I kinda agree with this….my dog is trained to poop on our lawn and then is rewarded with a walk. I don’t like it when someone walks there dog on my lawn…it’s like why is my lawn ok to poop on but not yours? It irritates me for some reason 🙂

  • Bess @ Bess Be Fit October 5, 2010, 11:23 am

    I do it all the time and I’ve seen people do it to my trash cans. I don’t care…no one likes poop in their hands! Trash cans are going to stink regardless of if theres poop in there or not…I say its fine!

    • Dynamics October 5, 2010, 11:24 am

      I disagree. Not all trash cans smell.

  • Michele October 5, 2010, 11:23 am

    HA – what a great topic – POOP!

    Glad we got breakfast out of the way first – your sandwich looks delightful!

    Um…I’m going with hubby on this one; stay out of other’s trash. LOL

  • tina October 5, 2010, 11:25 am

    And this is why I prefer cats! 😉

    I’d totally put my dog’s poop in another man’s trash as long as it meets the criteria you set: sealed in a plastic bag and the garbage hasn’t already been collected.

    That said, if hubs is uncomfortable by this, I’d just make sure he had good pockets when it’s pup-walking time. He can hold onto the bags til you get back home!

    BTW, even if I had a huge backyard, I’d probably pick up my dog’s poop. There’s nothing that will clear a backyard BBQ faster than fossilized dog poop in the party area!

  • L October 5, 2010, 11:25 am

    agreed – no, totally not ok. smells, accidents, private property, ethics.

  • Julie @ Willow Bird Baking October 5, 2010, 11:25 am

    The only reason it’s not okay, imo, is that sometimes garbage collectors won’t pick up trash that’s not in a larger trash bag. Also, if it doesn’t get picked up for some reason (either stays in the bottom of the can or the collectors won’t take it because it’s not in a larger bag), it can become a smelly problem for the homeowner. I think I’ve read about this issue in an advice column and that was the end answer.

    I say, unfortunately, no 🙁 But YES to the sandwich!!

  • Hedda October 5, 2010, 11:30 am

    Mother of a pooper (sorry, my four-legged love, but you are) responding.
    Bamse and I have one rule : if the people who own the trash bin has a dog, then it is acceptable. If not, try to hold on to your little black bag untill you a) come across a public trash bin or b) untill you get to a house where you know the people there have a dog.
    This little rule is based on the fact that I would not mind other people throwing their bag in my bin, that is much better than not pick it up at all.

    Big hug!

  • Staci October 5, 2010, 11:30 am

    If my trash can is setting out by the curb, and a neighbor has dog poop in a plastic bag, I would hope they would use my trash can! They have been responsible, cleaned up after their dog, and it is just trash 🙂 By the way, I have placed my dog poop filled plastic bags in others’ cans – no biggy!

  • Lisa October 5, 2010, 11:31 am

    I’m with you. If it’s trash day and it’s on the curb, what’s the problem? Would the person who owns that trash can prefer your dog poop in their yard?

  • Anne @thefitbridesmaid October 5, 2010, 11:31 am

    I say no, it is not okay. The only time that I have done it, is when the neighbors were right there when I picked it up and they told us to go ahead and put it in. Luckily for us, on her long walk, April typically poops right next to the public trash can. On her short walks, we don’t have to carry it too long before we reach our own house, where we have an outside trashcan designated for poop.

    I still feel bad having our dog poop (or pee for that matter) near neighbors’ yards in the first place, I couldn’t imagine our neighbor’s faces if we just put it in their trashcan.

  • Halley (Blunder Construction) October 5, 2010, 11:32 am

    I say no, it’s not okay. If you throw your dog poo into someone’s trash can, what stops someone else from coming by and vomiting into yours? It’s all trash, right? (Can you tell I live in a city? Vomit is a feature of daily life)

  • Susan@MomSwimBikeRun October 5, 2010, 11:37 am

    Sorry Caitlin I have to agree with the husband. The trash cans are other people’s property. Even though in the grand scheme of things it’s not a big deal I still think it’s a no no. Public trash cans well then sure but not a random neighbor. Sorry 🙁

  • greenbean October 5, 2010, 11:41 am

    don’t put into an empty trash can. that little baggie could get wedge into the bottom of the can and the owner will be the one to have to dig out someone else’s dog poop baggie. if the can has other stuff in it, i would put it in there. but i don’t think it’s ok to make a habit of it. i would be kinda pissed if i had a neighbor who regularly did this and i wouldn’t do it to my neighbor.

  • Ashley-neighbor October 5, 2010, 11:42 am

    i love tuesdays because in the morning i get to walk max and dump the poo in the closest trash can instead of carrying it around with me. i’ve never thought twice about it! so at least you know you’re not the only one in the neighborhood doing it 🙂

  • Emily G October 5, 2010, 11:42 am

    As someone who lives on a *very* popular dog walking route, I say don’t put your dog poop in someone’s trash can. We learned pretty quickly to keep our trash can in our garage on every day but trash day because people would stop off and drop their bags in regardless of whether it was trash day or not. And let me tell you, they stink (although nobody probably needed me to tell you that). That said, I don’t really have a problem with someone throwing a sealed bag in before the trash people come around, but like many others here, our garbage pick up is pretty early. I think the best, safest rule is, don’t throw the poop bag in anyone else’s trash bin.

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In October 5, 2010, 11:43 am

    hahah hilarious! I can see the husband’s point, and I think if I saw someone doing it to me I would be weirded out / angry, BUT I would probably do it and side with you! Only if trash is about to be picked up and it’s in a plastic baggie so it cant get everywhere.

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In October 5, 2010, 11:43 am

    hahah hilarious! I can see the husband’s point, and I think if I saw someone doing it to me I would be weirded out / angry, BUT I would probably do it and side with you! Only if trash is about to be picked up and it’s in a plastic baggie so it cant get everywhere.

  • ***ANDREA*** October 5, 2010, 11:46 am

    I would never put poop in anothers trash. I don’t have a pet and I have no desire to have poop in a bag in my trash. Most people now a days have to pay to have their trash picked up.

  • Crystal October 5, 2010, 11:46 am

    Um. Yea. That poop needs to make its way back home with you, dawg =)

  • meghan October 5, 2010, 11:47 am

    I AGREE WITH YOU, ESPECIALLY IF ITS FULL AND THE DAY OF PICK UP. JUST BE QUICK AND COOL ABOUT IT

  • Liz October 5, 2010, 11:48 am

    I wouldn’t care if someone did it to me, and I’ve done it in the past but I agree that on the whole it’s probably not a good idea. Also, I didn’t realize it was illegal!

    On the topic of poop – I live in San Francisco and we had people put a huge bag of HUMAN FECES in our compost bin one time while it was on the street. Lemme tell ya…that is NOT COOL!!!

  • Alaina October 5, 2010, 11:51 am

    Well, I would say that it’s not okay, however, I pass a Taco Bell on my normal walking route with my dog and if he has pooped before the TB I throw the bag (tied off) in their trashcan that’s outside, but if he poops after, I carry it home. So I guess I’m a bit of a hypocrite since I wouldn’t put it in an individual’s trash, but I would a restaurants.

    Also, with the multiple poop thing… when we first got our dog he was on Purina and pooped once a day. Once we started doing research on various dog foods and put him on a healthier organic one that claimed his body would absorb all the nutrients and poop less, he started pooping more! He likes the food and the poop isn’t runny (ewww), but still… odd.

  • Nikka B October 5, 2010, 11:52 am

    Put it in the trash if it hasn’t been picked up yet!
    It’s in a bag alrady, it’s not messing up their cans!
    Otherwise there are several products on the market that ‘clip’ the waste bag to your leash so you don’t have to carry it in your hand all the way home.
    http://hiphound.com/shop/dog-poop-bag-holder-portapoo

    We don’t have our own yard either, and I ALWAYS make sure I pick up after my 2 dogs. These clips work great for our pups!

  • aron October 5, 2010, 11:55 am

    i run with my dogs sometimes and i HATE running with a bag of poop in my hand! i know where most of the “public” trash cans are on our routes but will definitely put it in someomes trash can if there isn’t one around 🙂 i figure they (people) would rather have in their trash can then on the sidewalk in front of their house right?

  • Amanda October 5, 2010, 11:57 am

    Honestly I would say no way on trashing it in someone else’s trash can. This makes me very thankful that I don’t have to pick up my dog’s poop! Luckily my yard is big enough that he can just go out and run and the lawnmower takes care of the rest 😉 Our “mowable” yard is also 3 acres so that makes the dog poops few and far between!

  • Sara October 5, 2010, 12:07 pm

    I’m going to vote for go ahead and put it in someone else’s trash can. Trash is public domain, in fact you could legally take things from someone’s trash can once they put it out, so why not be able to add to it? It’s gross to carry it around, and as long as your poop placement doesn’t end up as a broken bag & poo all over, then I think it’s A-OK.

  • Tara October 5, 2010, 12:11 pm

    Yep, it’s gotta go in your own trash or when the trash is about to be picked up. I have also found the poop in my bin and it is sick!

  • Rachel October 5, 2010, 12:13 pm

    I would never be able to put my plastic baggie of doggie poo in someone else’s trash can…even though when we are walking early on trash day morning and everyone’s trash cans are out…I am tempted to do it, but I could never do it. I wait til we get back to our house and put it in our own trash can, or I will manoeuver somewhere along our walk to go past one of the public trash cans. Our neighborhood has a long stretch of public beachfront, so the city Department of Public Works has trash cans placed at regular intervals, and those are fair game. There is also a public ball field in the other direction, so if we are out that way, I will drop our baggies off at one of their two public trash cans.

    My husband actually did drop a baggie in someone’s not-picked-up-yet trash can one morning. He didn’t seem to think it was a big deal. Most of the people in our neighborhood put lids on their trash cans to keep out raccoons and foxes, and we both agree we couldn’t lift the lid on anyone else’s trash can. So my husband says open cans only.

  • Christina @ Food.Fun.Fabulous October 5, 2010, 12:17 pm

    I actually saw this on the news a few months ago! People were getting mad about poop bags being put into their garbage. I say it’s only acceptable when the bin is on the street waiting to be emptied.

  • Leah @ Why Deprive? October 5, 2010, 12:18 pm

    Haha I love this topic. I would never, ever put my doggy bags in someone else’s garbage can. But that’s because our garbage men won’t take your garbage if they see the dog poop in there. If they would take it, I would consider it. But only if it was garbage day. Otherwise I just throw it in the city garbage cans that are just up the street from my house.

  • Kaci October 5, 2010, 12:21 pm

    Totally acceptable!

  • Kathryn @ Foodies Not Fatties October 5, 2010, 12:24 pm

    There should be no issue with you putting it in a full trash can if it trash pickup day. If it isn’t trash pick up day or if it is empty definitely don’t do it!

  • Tanya October 5, 2010, 12:24 pm

    I would not put my dog’s poop in anyone else’s can, I personally own a dog and I can tell you if the poo sits for hours in the can in a bag or not it stinks up the can. Out of common curtosy for others, take them home or dispose in a public can.

  • Stephanie October 5, 2010, 12:25 pm

    I either carry them back home, or I dump them in public trash bins. I am under the impression you aren’t supposed to put trash in other people’s bins anyway…though I haven’t found a law stating that. I don’t do it, also, because I’ve seen people digging through other people’s trash, and I don’t want to be yelled at for that (or looked at like a creepy person!).

  • Amanda October 5, 2010, 12:26 pm

    I agree with you…. if the trash has not been picked up, whats the big deal? It beats walking around with a bag of poo in your hand. And how about this: at least you pick up after your dogs. There are plenty of people that just run for the hills after the dog does the deed.

  • Tiffany (Stuffed with Fluff) October 5, 2010, 12:27 pm

    It depends on how far I am from my house. If the trash cans are out and haven’t been picked up yet, I don’t feel bad about it. They should be grateful I’ve picked the poop up at all! There a few inconsiderate people in our neighborhood whose dogs do their business on OUR lawn and they just LEAVE IT THERE. I’ve had to clean up at least 3 random mounds a week since I moved there.

    • Lacey @ Lake Life October 5, 2010, 12:45 pm

      People should be grateful that you pick up your own pet’s poop? Fail.

      • Tiffany (Stuffed with Fluff) October 5, 2010, 12:55 pm

        ok, grateful probably wasn’t the best term to use, but I certainly am when people clean up after their dogs! I have to clean up after someone else’s pet almost every day! I know it’s not my dogs, b/c I only have a front yard and pick up after every …session? haha

      • Lauren October 5, 2010, 1:01 pm

        She meant in light of the fact that so many people don’t pick up after their dogs. This debate is ridiculous. Caitlin made it funny but some people are waaaay too serious about this!

  • Megan October 5, 2010, 12:31 pm

    I think that, especially if it’s trash pickup day, it’s perfectly fine to drop the bag into someone’s bin. Heck, even if it’s not trash pickup day and their bins are out near the sidewalk, go for it– better than carrying that thing around with you! As someone who regularly finds little “surprises” on the front lawn, I know that I would MUCH prefer the dog-parents to be dropping bags into my trash bins (which are conveniently located at the end of our driveway, by the way!).

  • Courtney October 5, 2010, 12:32 pm

    I don’t think that’s appropriate. If you have a dog, you should be prepared to walk around carrying poop if you walk away from your own trash can… that’s part of the job. I would be really irritated if someone put that in my trash because 1. that’s just plain rude 2. trash pickup costs $$.

  • Lindsay October 5, 2010, 12:44 pm

    I think it’s silly to get freaked out about “other people’s trash can”. It’s a trash can, all trash is gross, and it’s all going the same place. As far as the cost, it’s not going to affect the person’s trash bill. It’s a small bag.

    This is why my dogs are trained to only poop deep in the woods. They have to hold it until we get there, no stopping in other people’s yards = I don’t have to worry about picking it up.

  • Lacey @ Lake Life October 5, 2010, 12:47 pm

    I think that’s really inappropriate. If it’s a public garbage can then yes, but not someone’s personal garbage can.

    That is, unless you’re ok with people dropping their garbage off in front of your house on pick-up day.

    Good debate topic though!

  • Tracey October 5, 2010, 12:50 pm

    I’m lucky to live in a city where we have public garbage cans on the corners so I can throw the crap in. However, I don’t think it’s okay to throw it away in other peoples cans.

    Sorry, I’m going to have to agree with your husband on this one.

  • Rika October 5, 2010, 12:52 pm

    I think it’s completely okay! It’s a TRASHCAN full of TRASH! Sure, it’s yours and therefore “personal”.. but it’s not like you put your trash in their for collection purposes!

  • Maura October 5, 2010, 12:53 pm

    bahaha, some of these comments are hilarious. i’d say don’t get white & pink colored poop bags and go for it. (only if it hasn’t been picked up yet) some people are too uptight. in the grand scheme of things, it really doesn’t hurt anyone.

    • Jessica October 5, 2010, 1:50 pm

      Actually it could hurt someone. I bring my garbage can into my garage and it sits next to the door into my house. I don’t have a dog and there is no poop of any kind ever in my garbage can. If a stranger puts their dog’s sh*t in my can and the bag explodes then what? It becomes my job to clean that up? I don’t think so.

  • Alison October 5, 2010, 1:00 pm

    I ALWAYS put the poop baggie in other peoples garbage cans, and i honestly had never really thought twice about it! i know i wouldnt mind if someone used my garbage can for this very reason. huh, i cant believe so many people are against it. i guess i better give it a little more thought next time

    • Lauren October 5, 2010, 1:03 pm

      That is exactly what I was just thinking…And I had no idea so many people get offended when your dog poops on their lawn but you still clean it! I’m sorry to any neighbor I inadvertantly offended…Wow.

  • TE October 5, 2010, 1:01 pm

    Your dog poop question was actually in Dear Abby’s column. Go here to read her response:

    http://www.uexpress.com/dearabby/?uc_full_date=20091201

    • Dynamics October 5, 2010, 1:12 pm

      This totally cracked me up…”And if you don’t want to carry it for 15 minutes, don’t walk your dog 15 minutes from your house.”

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape October 5, 2010, 1:02 pm

    Ha, I love that you follow what may possibly be the greatest looking breakfast EVER with a blurb about your dog’s poop. I would say that it is okay as long as the trash has not been picked upa nd the bag is properly sealed. It’s going to be picked up anyway, right? Just make sure no one is watching…haha

  • Cheryl October 5, 2010, 1:04 pm

    No. Never, ever, EVER ok. Doesn’t matter if it’s trash waiting to be picked up. It’s never ok to touch someone else’s property (even if it’s just a garbage can) and put your dog’s poop in there. What if the bag breaks and it gets everywhere? That’s just inconsiderate and lazy on your part. If you don’t like carrying around your dog’s mess, you shouldn’t have a dog. You should never be putting it into someone else’s trash cans.

    The point isn’t that “it’s just a trashcan!”, the point is, it isn’t YOUR trashcan to touch and put things into. Isn’t this just common sense?

  • Kimm October 5, 2010, 1:05 pm

    I’m with your husband on this one. It’s very disrespectful to put your dogs’ poop bags in someone else’s trash. I have a dog and she gets her walk first thing every morning. She usually poops at the beginning of the walk, and I’m stuck carrying the bag of poop the rest of the way. Sometimes she takes two poops on her walk. I don’t particularly enjoy walking with a bag or two of poop, but it’s part of being a responsible pet owner. As to what you should do with the poop bags, we use a kitty litter container to put the poop bags in and empty it into the garbage bag on trash day. Any container with a lid will suffice.

  • suki October 5, 2010, 1:05 pm

    i would bring an extra bag to put those dog poops in, you know, seal in the smell or whatever. i wouldn’t ever throw it into another person’s trash, regardless of whether it was picked up or not.

  • natalie October 5, 2010, 1:11 pm

    wow i did not think people would have such strong opinions about this topic!! 🙂
    I think it’s probably okay to put a sealed bag of poop into a trashcan that is waiting to go to the dump anyway. it’s not going to make a mess or make the trashcan stink any worse than it probably already does from their trash. but maybe since so many people are offended by this you should let maggie do her business close to home and then finish your walk after you take it back to your house??

  • Allison B October 5, 2010, 1:12 pm

    This debate makes me grateful that my two dogs have an acre to handle their business on (YAY rural homes, Boo for the commute to DC). I think it is A-Ok when it is trash day and the cans are already at the curb for pick-up. I know if I were to be in the same situation, I would have to know which neighbors: 1. have dogs 2. won’t flip if they catch me putting the poo bag in their trash can.
    Good luck on your debate.

  • Grapeful October 5, 2010, 1:17 pm

    I say NO. If you’re certain that the trash is going to get picked up in a hour or two, then MAYBE it’s okay. Otherwise I don’t think it’s ever okay. It’s YOUR dog and therefore YOUR poop to take care of. You don’t want someone else pooping in your yard, right?

    Even though it’s your dog that you love very much, even YOU aren’t willing to carry around the sealed poop. So would you be mad if someone put dog poop in your trash after the trash had been picked up? My guess is you’d probably be pretty annoyed.

    I would suggest having your dogs poop closer to home so you can put the poop in YOUR trash or finding some way to double or triple bag…

  • lisasfoods October 5, 2010, 1:17 pm

    I’m with the no side. I just think about people I know (especially people who don’t own, or even like, dogs). They would be really angered knowing someone put a dog poo bag in their trash, whether or not it was about to get tossed soon.

    I would come up with some kind of bag to carry on you that you can put your bags in, and not have the possibility of soiling someone else’s can.

  • Kristina @ spabettie October 5, 2010, 1:20 pm

    I might do it if the trash has not been picked up… not if it’s empty. our walking trail has bags and trash bins every 1/4 mile or so. also, we live on 2 acres, so by the time we actually GET OUT of our property, Basil has usually taken care of that! 😉

    fun topic!

  • Caroline October 5, 2010, 1:23 pm

    I’m going to side with The Husband. I don’t think it’s ever acceptable to use someone else’s trash can – whether it’s full or not. Just because the bag enters the can sealed doesn’t mean it will leave that way. It could easily get popped and then smeared on the side of the trash can (ewww!!) when it’s being emptied. Even though it’s a trash can, that’s someone’s property.

  • 'Dee October 5, 2010, 1:28 pm

    I’d love to support you on this one, C., but I’m siding with the Husband! No puppy poo in anybody’s trash can but my own (or a public one perhaps).

    I hear you, though, about walking around with the poopy plastic bags, sealed or not. My solution is to also take an extra bag or plastic grocery bag and put the little pick-up bags in that until the walk is done. Then I don’t have to have my hands on the goods the whole time.

  • Kelly October 5, 2010, 1:28 pm

    My boyfriend and I had the exact same debate! I say it’s never acceptable and he says it is. I would tend to side with the Husband, although if the trash hasn’t been picked up, you’re probably OK. Would you be angry if someone did it to you? If not, then there’s your answer!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing October 5, 2010, 1:33 pm

    I understand where you’re coming from but i’d probably say no… just because some people are crazy and would FREAK if they knew.

  • Lisa Diederichs Stookey October 5, 2010, 1:36 pm

    i LOVE how many comments this post got!

    i’m with your husband.

    i carry the poop (which i HATE!) until i get home. I don’t want poop in my OWN trashcan, so i figure no one else does either!

    xoxo

  • Krista (kristastes) October 5, 2010, 1:42 pm

    Perfectly acceptable to put the poo in the nearest can, emptied or not — at least it’s not left on anyone’s lawn. I feel bad for the garbage men, not the owners of the trashcans! 🙂

  • Ana October 5, 2010, 1:46 pm

    It’s hilarious topic. I don’t have dog, but I think i wont put poop bag in someone else’s trash can, i am too scared of getting caught, public trash can souns ok.

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) October 5, 2010, 1:53 pm

    LMAO!!
    Ive been tempted to do the same in the past, but I don’t think I have ever had the guts in case someone saw me. I say if you have the guts go for it. It will be picked up that day anyways!

  • Scargosun October 5, 2010, 1:54 pm

    I know your debate has already been decided but I am adding my 2 cents. IT IS TRASH! It is acceptable for the police to go through it because it is in ‘plain view’ I don’t see why adding something to it would be a problem. I ONLY do it in the morning when the cans are at the curb to be picked up. I would NEVER do it to a can that was there the night before because of the smell. Now also, we never, have our cans disturbed buy wildlife….why? Because it has dog poop in it. Maybe your neighbors or those people that think it is awful to do should think about that.

  • Joey October 5, 2010, 1:57 pm

    My husband always puts it in people’s trash cans – but only if they are at the road still.. I think it would be awkward to walk up to someone’s house to do it. I feel like people would be happier that you picked it up out of their yard & not be as concerned about where the trash gets picked up from.. ya know?

  • Jean@RoastedRootsandPumpkinSpice October 5, 2010, 2:00 pm

    A delicious looking breakfast and poop talk in 1 post. Love it. I’m totally with you on this one, especially if the trash hasn’t been picked up yet. Really, who care?!

  • Emily October 5, 2010, 2:03 pm

    Have to agree with your husband here- not OK, mostly from the point of view of the garbage men. They are there to pick up bags of trash, not dog doo. If YOU don’t even want to carry around your dog’s poop, do you think a garbage man would want to reach in there for a bag of kitchen garbage and instead be met with a warm bag of poop? 🙂

  • Wendy Irene (Give Love Create Happiness) October 5, 2010, 2:22 pm

    If I had to pick a side I’d say not. Better to be safe than sorry. You never know how the owner feels about it.

  • Kimberly_FeLix October 5, 2010, 3:14 pm

    We have a pug, & he will easily poop multiple times PER WALK. I think he saves it so that he can spread it out more. Anyway, I think it’s fine to put it in the trash can either way… AND HERE IS WHY- I’ve had dogs for years, and I live in an apt now, but I’ve always lived in houses with big back yards & I still scooped poop and put it in our bin. Even after a week of poop bags in the bottom of the bin I have NEVER smelled the dog poop. If it is in the proper little plastic bag, it’s virtually the same as putting a bag of bananas or whatever in the trash.

    Another side note- Once the trash can is placed on the road for pick up it is PUBLIC property. You can go in and put in whatever you want. Happy Pooper Pickin.

  • Sarah October 5, 2010, 3:31 pm

    I do not have a dog, although I want one!

    However, I think I would be offended to have other dogs poop in my trashcan UNLESS it was trashday! 🙂

    Any new runners out there? – you can follow me, or help me follow you!

  • Gingersnap October 5, 2010, 3:31 pm

    I actually have some friends who have their trash picked up from the alley…and apparently a lot of people dump doggie poop there. Well, i feel very sorry for them because a few time, not just once, somehow their dumpster has been knocked over, and then cats, dogs, other animals (maybe birds or raccoons?) forage through it, make a big mess, and guess who gets to clean up a ton of dog crap that isn’t theirs? Even if other animals don’t forage, it would be a pain to clean up, and it is law to keep that stuff contained.
    So, therefore, I say….DON’T dump the poop in others’ bins.

  • Pattie October 5, 2010, 3:35 pm

    I say go ahead and put it in the trash bin if it hasn’t been collected yet and it’s at the curb. I’d feel weird walking up the driveway to put it in the can so I wouldn’t do that. But if it’s at the curb and it’s clear the trash man hasn’t been by. Go ahead. I wouldn’t mind if it were my trash. I’d only care if you were snooping in my trash!

  • Angie October 5, 2010, 3:52 pm

    LOl I think this is hysterical – personally a bin (sorry its bin to us Brits;) is just a bin, its there for rubbish so i would defo chuck it in, do not see the problem at all!! (although i may walk fairly briskly away;)

  • Stephanie C October 5, 2010, 4:44 pm

    I know at this time you’ve already made up your mind, but I wanted to throw my two cents in.

    I walk my dog and we use compostable Biobags made from GMO-free corn. Their website (last I checked) recommends putting the bags in the Green Trash Bins (for garden waste). Where we live, we don’t have one of these, so I kind of have to use the neighbor’s. In addition.. I usually don’t feel bad because we live in a canyon and almost everyone leaves their bins out.. if they don’t, then I make sure I put it in the ones I always see out on the street.
    Ideally, I think you should throw it in your own bin.. but what if you’re out for a long walk? I can’t carry it for a long time, either. It’s stinky!

  • Amanda @ Eat to Live, Live to Run October 5, 2010, 5:00 pm

    I already know the outcome because I read your next blog already, but I say who cares!?! It’s trash! Its all stinky 😛

  • Ellen@FirednFabulous October 5, 2010, 5:05 pm

    Ha, I love the 300+ comments on dog poop! I think it’s OK…a little doggy do-do never hurt anyone 😉

  • Wendy @ Seriously Sassy October 5, 2010, 5:12 pm

    No way, Jose!

  • Melissa October 5, 2010, 5:24 pm

    LOL, that is too funny. I always put it in a neighbor’s can! And the grilled sammie looks decadent!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin October 5, 2010, 6:58 pm

    That looks like a breakfast of champs! MC needs to check this one out. 😛

  • Lisa Paige October 5, 2010, 8:02 pm

    I always throw poop bags in other people’s trash bins. Nothing wrong with it.

  • Kris October 5, 2010, 8:12 pm

    No, so not okay to put it in the neighbors trash can. Our trash men don’t always upend the can, so little bags of poop sometimes hang out in the bottom. Once our neighbor planted a bag in our trash can after it was emptied. One day later after our garage started smelling horrendous (FL summer), I investigated and found the poop. We never put the poop bags in the trash until trash day. Our garage is attached to our house, so I really don’t want my trash can, garage and house stunk up. I did live in a neighborhood in NoVA where people would drop the bag of poop for pick up on the way back home. Everyone understood that dropping the bag didn’t mean you would leave it there; it was just so you didn’t have to carry it on your walk. It worked great. And on base in Germany, people really got upset if you put your poop bag in their dumpster.

    • Kris October 5, 2010, 8:14 pm

      I should add that we cannot leave trash cans out unless it’s trash day. They have to hide inside the garage.

  • Julia October 5, 2010, 8:31 pm

    i used to live in a ritzy neighborhood in tokyo where ppl literally had sticks up their a$$es. ANyway, one day, APPARENTLY, my dad was walking our dog at night, and forgot to pick up the doo doo. How do we know this? Well my mom got a call from the HOA that my dad was caught on the security cameral NOT picking up the doggy doo. wow. really…???? haha. Glad Im NOT living there anymore!

    • Cyclist Kate October 5, 2010, 11:48 pm

      LITERALLY?? I guess I need to visit Tokyo… 😉

  • Angela October 5, 2010, 9:10 pm

    Your dog, your problem. Picking up your dog’s poop off someone else’s yard and carrying around poop bags are some of the responsibilities of dog ownership, unfortunately. And the argument that other people should just be happy you’re picking up your dog’s poop from their yard is ridiculous. Use your own yard as your dog’s toilet.

  • Cyclist Kate October 5, 2010, 11:50 pm

    If you ever walk by my house on trash day (whether or not trash has been picked up) and my trash can is still out on the street, please feel free to dump your tied bag of dog poop in my can and continue on to enjoy your walk. I’m not going to act like my trash don’t stink!

  • Kristy October 6, 2010, 7:28 am

    I have offically seen the most abstract blog topic! 🙂 I understand where your coming from but the issue might be that people dont always know what your throwing in there and might get upset that you are touching their things? But I AGREE! Get that shit out of your hands ASAP!

  • mandy October 6, 2010, 8:37 am

    I can’t believe the amount of discussion this topic has generated.
    i live in Cornwall in the south west of the UK. Here people will throw their bags of dog poop into hedges and over neighbours garden walls sometimes or even worse tie the bags onto trees as a protest. I was so fed up with seeing the landscape being destroyed by these irresponsible dog owners that i invented a solution. We are currently looking to expand to the American market and from reading all your fantastic comment i think it is not a moment too soon.
    The Dicky Bag is a stylish, sturdy, lightweight container made from neoprene which can be attached to your belt, bag or dog lead/harness and provides you with odourproof and leakproof storage for your bags of dog poop. It comes in 4 sizes and 8 designs to cater for all types of dogs. it can even be popped in the washing machine to keep it clean.

    As you great people sound in desperate need for our Dicky Bag i want to give you a special offer.
    if you buy a dicky bag and strap from our site http://www.dickybag.com, and add the code STRAP in the coupon section of the checkout we will send you the strap for free.
    You can then be our Dicky Disciples and tell the USA how we intend to change their dog walk forever!!!
    http://www.dickybag.com/pooper-scooper-video.html

  • manda October 6, 2010, 11:22 am

    a little off topic, but i just read this hilarious article. “woman throws dog poop into passing motorist face”. i thought it was kind of fitting 🙂

    http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/101005/koddities/us_odd_dog_feces_assault

  • Kelly October 6, 2010, 8:02 pm

    I’ve tried to do the same thing, but Brad won’t let me. Luckily when we’re uptown this isn’t a problem because there are trashcans everywhere. This may become more of an issue when we move to the new neighborhood.

  • Cheryle October 6, 2010, 8:48 pm

    This is why I have indoor cats. They just poop in the litterbox and I scoop it and all is well. 😉

  • Yuki October 8, 2010, 12:44 am

    I definitely think it’s wrong to put it in someone else’s trash can. After all, it is someone’s property and to put your own garbage in their property means to trespass and invade it. I would not recommend it. If somebody did that to me, I would feel highly disappointed and uncomfortable.

  • martha lilian October 8, 2010, 11:34 am

    My Mister and I have this same argument every time we walk the dogs together. I’m in 100% agreement with you. I live in NYC and the trash cans are out on the curbs and are typically picked up either the following day or later that morning. (Depending on whether it is an AM or PM walk!) I wouldn’t throw poo bags out in a can that didn’t have a bag in it or had just been picked up.

    I also use awesome scent-neutralizing bags and time them off to alleviate poo-smell issues.

  • heidi October 12, 2010, 10:21 am

    we live in an apartment complex so i put mine in a dumpster, but back when we lived in DC, both hubs and I were often guilty of putting them in other people’s trash can. Often, we’d shoot for the city trash can’s in the park or on certain blocks. But when they’re not near by, i’d stick them on top of a trash can next to the curb. So by all means…i say go for it 🙂

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