In-Ground Stool Digesters: How They Work
Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff

In-ground Stool Digester

All around the world people are more concerned about the environment than ever before. Pet waste is becoming a big issue across the nation. There are laws in many cities pertaining to the amount of waste you are to have on your lawn. And the importance of a clean lawn isn't just a national environmental issue, it should also be an issue having to do with your family's health. Pet waste that is not picked up can be a habitat for bacteria and parasites that can be transmitted to humans, not to mention an unpleasant mess on the bottom of your shoe. Your pet's health can also be jeopardized since many diseases can be spread through feces.

While there are several methods you can choose to clean up your less-than-pristine lawn, one method that many pet owners choose is an in-ground digester system. There are several different models to choose from, but they all work on the same principle as a septic system.

  • You must first dig a hole in a convenient and out-of-the-way area in which you place the digester. The hole must be 48 inches deep in order to facilitate drainage. Install the digester and cover in the ground. The cover should only be slightly above ground.
  • After your pet has deposited his waste, pick it up and place it in the digester.
  • Add special enzyme stool digester mix and water, then place lid back on the digester. Some digesters come with a pedal apparatus.
  • Let the digester do its job – the digester liquefies the stool and drains it into the surrounding soil.
  • Forget about it until the next time and enjoy your clean lawn!
  • The liquid stool product is not harmful to the environment.

Keep in mind that you may have to purchase a special digester if you feed your dog a high-protein or concentrated premium food. Because your dog's stool is so concentrated from these foods, you will need a specific type of bacterial/enzyme mixture to liquefy it.

The digester apparatus is practically flush with the ground so it is not obvious to passersby. You would be surprised how easy it is to clean up your pet's waste and provide a pristine lawn for yourself and your family. You'll never be afraid to play a game of touch football on your lawn again!

5 Facts About Pet Waste Systems

Some facts to help you decide whether a Waste Digester System is right for you:

  1. If you have clay soil, drainage will be poor and may prevent the system from working. Try this simple test to see how well your soil drains:

    Dig a 20" x 20" square hole about 14" deep. Pour five gallons of water into the hole. If the water drains within 48 hours, the waste digester unit should work fine.

  2. Digesters are temperature-dependent. The higher the temperature over 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the better it will work. Some areas of the country can only use their digesters in warmer seasons.

  3. If your pet eats a premium pet food such as Iams, Science Diet, Nature's Recipe, or Eukanuba, use an enzyme specifically made for highly digestible food, such as Waste Terminator.

  4. Chlorinated water lessens the effectiveness of the enzymatic digesters. A simple way to remove chlorine is to leave a five-gallon bucket of water in direct sunlight for 48 hours.

  5. Make sure to purchase a Waste Digester System appropriate for the number of dogs you have.

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