Pet waste left on the ground is more than just a problem for your shoes. Leaving it on the ground means you can accidentally play in it. When it rains, anything on the ground—including pet waste—is washed through a stormdrain and into a nearby rivers or streams. Here in the Midlands we love our waterways and great way to keep them clean is to trash the poop!

The City of Columbia, Richland County, and Lexington County are encouraging pet owners to pick up their pet’s waste and discard it in the trash by offering free pet waste stations to neighborhoods throughout the area. Check out the page for your area to see how you can get a free station!

MYTH: There’s no harm in leaving my pet's waste on the ground.

Pet waste contains pathogens (bacteria, parasites, and viruses) that can cause diseases in humans and animals, and THREE TIMES more bacteria than human waste. When washed into waterways, pet waste can also cause oxygen to be removed from the water. And no oxygen means no fish!

MYTH: My pet’s waste isn't a problem because it's on the grass.

Pet waste breaks down very slowly. Even if it is in grass, there is still an opportunity for some of it to wash away when it rains. Plus no one wants to step in it or have kids playing in or around it.

MYTH: I'm just one person, so it doesn't matter if I don't trash the poop.

The average dog defecates about 3/4 pounds of feces every day. If no one picked up their pet’s waste, imagine how much would pile up in a month. Now imagine all of that washing into our rivers! But you can help! Pick up your pet’s waste and dispose of it in the trash.

MYTH: Who cares if I trash the poop? It’s not like it's illegal.

Wrong! City of Columbia, Richland County, and Lexington County have laws that require all waste, including fecal pet waste, be disposed of properly and in a manner that does not pollute the environment. If caught, you could be fined. For information about the ordinances in your area, click on the links above.