Getting rid of dog poo is something most of us would prefer not to think about too much. However, it is a fact of life if you keep dogs. One of the most successful ways to do this is to compost it using worms. Being organic, worms will compost it just like any other organic waste matter. The method is pretty much the same, but that’s where the similarities stop.

So, what is the most effective system? To that end, we believe that some wormery systems should be avoided, including the stacking tray system, and that a simple box is the best option.

To set this up, you will need a box, preferably plastic. The typical kerbside recycling box with a lid, often used by local councils, is ideal. Nothing smaller. In this, the worms and bedding need to be placed. The small Worm and Bedding Kits as supplied by us are ideal. The dog poo is added and the worms are allowed to get on with it.

The same advice as to overloading the worms applies. If it is overloaded and the worms cannot cope, you will end up with a bin full of just dog poo. If it is regulated and well managed, the worms will process the waste and there will be no smell.

When the bin is almost full, stop adding poo until the worms have finished processing the last bits. It is advisable to dispose of the whole lot, worms included (unless you have no objections to sorting the worms out!) and to start again. If the dogs have been wormed, the poo cannot be added until the wormer has cleared the dog’s system. Give it at least a couple of weeks.

Dog poo compost cannot be used in any growing medium, particularly for anything edible. It should not be used as a soil conditioner in vegetable plots or even flower beds. It may be possible to use it under large shrubs or trees, but to be safe, children must not have access.