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  • composting pet poo

    Created by nibs n ladybug on January 26, 2011 at 12:23 am

    I also have a question regarding dog poop in compost. I would love to do something more eco- friendly with the dog doo rather than putting it in a bag and trashing it. Also, I have children around and would prefer not to bury the poo. so I hope that worm composting is my solution. My concern though, is that we have long cold winters and I have no idea what to do with the worms during that time? I thought possibly putting them in the garage, but it would still be below 30 degrees if not colder at times and I am afraid the worms wouldn’t make it. Any advise or solutions?

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  • February 25, 2009 at 8:16 pm #13932

    Elizabeth
    Member

    No, the worms won't make it in weather that's colder that 30 degrees. Ideally your worm compost bin should be in an environment where the temperature ranges between 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and red worms generally prefer temperatures in the 55 to 77 degree range. If your composting correctly, your bin shouldn't smell, so some people do bring their bins inside. But that's a personal preference. For more info check out http://www.planetnatural.com/composting-101/

    March 24, 2009 at 10:30 pm #13935

    produce guy
    Member

    In my compost pile in the backyard I get a post hole digger and dig down to about 2ft.and put in the pooh about a couple months worth cover it up with compost or fill it in with leaves.

    June 11, 2010 at 2:35 am #14004

    JohnnieRancher
    Member

    So your problem is…What to do with the worms in the winter? Well make a homemade bin for them and keep them inside for the cold months. Feed them your table scraps, papers and junk mail. As for the dog poo. Cold winters provides excellent storage conditions for pet poo. Just keep doing whatever you plan to do with the waste until it melts in the spring time, maybe just have something simple, like a large trash can, or a rubbermaid tub. When the cold months are over thrown the worms back in the poo bin. Make sure your container is big enough to hold a winters worth of frozen dog poo and be aware that your pile might start to stink a bit in the spring if you don't get to it fast enough.

    January 26, 2011 at 12:23 am #14027

    WormsEtc
    Member

    The worms can survive the winter actually if the beds are on the ground and at least a few inches deeper than the frost line. They will not do a lot of dog poo composting, but come spring they will be hungry and ready to go.

    June 26, 2016 at 4:27 pm #202669

    Eric Vinje
    Keymaster

    Hello –

    Redworms do well in temperatures between about 55°-77°F. If you are concerned about keeping them during the cold winter months consider putting them in the basement or use insulation around the bin — straw bales work great! I’ve attached a link to an article that should help.

    https://www.planetnatural.com/composter-connection/indoor-composting/vermicomposting/

    Good luck.

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