Cleaning Up After Pets

Pet Waste that Is Not Picked Up Can Pollute Our Waters

When it rains, pet waste left on the ground, especially near streets and sidewalks, gets washed into storm drains which flow directly into our waterways.  While most of Alexandria’s streams exceed Virginia’s water quality standards for fecal coliform and / or E.coli bacteria, numerous studies clearly link pet waste to waterborne bacterial pollution.  Because storm drains are not connected to wastewater treatment plants like the drains in your home, dog waste that is not picked up can go into our water ways and result in harmful bacteria.

The proper way to dispose of pet waste is to bag and place pet waste in the trash.

Please do not:

• Dispose of pet waste in a storm drain. These drains lead directly to local waterways.
• Dump used kitty litter outside.

Please do:

• Bag and place your pet’s waste in the trash, including kitty litter.
• Encourage other pet owners to be responsible.