Is it okay to throw dog poop bags in neighborhood bins on walks?

Seeking Advice
1

I live in a medium-sized town in the Midwest of the USA.

When I take my dogs out for walks, I always pick up their poop in small bags. I usually carry it home, but sometimes, if I’m passing a garbage bin out by the curb, I’ve considered dropping the bag in there instead. A few times, if it was trash day, folks have seen me and told me to go ahead. I’ve never done it without permission, but it got me curious:

Would you mind if someone tossed a bagged dog poop into your bin on the street? Or would that seem rude? Do people in different places see this differently? Does your area have public bins for this?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

2

I carry it home or wait until I find a public trash can. I’d never throw it in a neighbor’s bin without permission, and I’d feel uncomfortable if others used mine.

3

Ray said:
I carry it home or wait until I find a public trash can. I’d never throw it in a neighbor’s bin without permission, and I’d feel uncomfortable if others used mine.

Exactly. Public can or my own at home, that’s it.

4

Ray said:
I carry it home or wait until I find a public trash can. I’d never throw it in a neighbor’s bin without permission, and I’d feel uncomfortable if others used mine.

Get one of these! Keeps your hands free, game-changer for me.

5

@Will
Looks like an X where the dog’s behind would be in cartoons. :joy:

6

Ira said:
@Will
Looks like an X where the dog’s behind would be in cartoons. :joy:

That cracked me up! Thanks for the laugh!

7

Will said:

Ira said:
@Will
Looks like an X where the dog’s behind would be in cartoons. :joy:

That cracked me up! Thanks for the laugh!

Glad to help! Also, have you seen “Dumper Cables”? Hilarious name, but your find seems better.

8

Throwing dog poop in someone’s private bin is so rude. If the bag breaks, it’s gross and leaves a mess they didn’t ask for. Just take it home—it’s your responsibility.

9

Aeron said:
Throwing dog poop in someone’s private bin is so rude. If the bag breaks, it’s gross and leaves a mess they didn’t ask for. Just take it home—it’s your responsibility.

I mean, if it’s by the curb, isn’t it kinda public? It’s out there for trash anyway.

10

@Rex
Just because it’s by the curb doesn’t make it public. It’s still private property unless the owner gives permission.

11

@Rex
Imagine if someone left rotting meat in your bin for days—it’s not okay just because it’s on the curb. Putting anything in a bin that isn’t yours isn’t right.

12

Kim said:
@Rex
Imagine if someone left rotting meat in your bin for days—it’s not okay just because it’s on the curb. Putting anything in a bin that isn’t yours isn’t right.

Fair point, but if it’s just a small dog poop bag and on trash day, I don’t see the harm. At least it keeps the sidewalk clear.

13

@Rex
I rely on curbside assistance due to a disability. One time they didn’t put my bin back, so it stayed out all week. That could’ve caused issues if people kept using it.

14

@Rex
Honestly, garbage smells. That’s what it’s for!

15

@Rex
That’s like saying if I park my car on the street, anyone can just use it. Still private property.

16

@Rex
You’re wrong.

17

Aeron said:
Throwing dog poop in someone’s private bin is so rude. If the bag breaks, it’s gross and leaves a mess they didn’t ask for. Just take it home—it’s your responsibility.

But if it’s in a sealed bag?

18

@Noor
Sealed or not, those bags can break.

19

Aeron said:
@Noor
Sealed or not, those bags can break.

Even with ‘scent-proof’ bags, the smell can still linger. Worse in hot weather.

20

Reagan said:

Aeron said:
@Noor
Sealed or not, those bags can break.

Even with ‘scent-proof’ bags, the smell can still linger. Worse in hot weather.

Truth! It’s disgusting.