Dog waste bags in short supply

The City is asking dog owners to bring their own dog waste bags when walking their dog as a temporary measure while stock levels are low in some parks. 

A supply issue has caused an unexpected delay in the delivery of bags to some local governments across Perth. Stock is expected to arrive soon.

Dog waste bags are provided in parks and reserves across the City of South Perth as a courtesy to help keep public spaces tidy for everyone. The City encourages responsible pet ownership, including picking up after pets when out in public. For more information on dog exercise areas, see the City's dog exercise map.

About our dog waste bags

We understand some residents and dog owners are concerned about the City offering single use dog bags and have requested the City provide biodegradable or compostable bags as an alternative.

During the City’s most recent procurement process for dog bags the City reviewed compostable or biodegradable bags. The information below outlines the City’s position on both of these options and what the City is doing to divert waste from landfill.

Will the City consider using biodegradable dog bags?

The term ‘biodegradable’ can be misleading. Just like traditional bags, biodegradable bags break down into smaller pieces of plastic which remain in the environment.

Given biodegradable bags are placed into general waste (not compost bins or green waste bins) that then go to landfill they do not provide significant environmental benefits for the City to consider using them.

Additionally, there is a significant cost increase associated with use of biodegradable bags. The City has identified that using biodegradable bags would cost 325% more than non-biodegradable bags, exceeding the available budget by $75,000.

Will the City consider using compostable dog bags?

Compostable bags are a preferable environmentally friendly solution however as these break down quickly when exposed to weather conditions they are more suited for personal use than for general council supply in storage containers that remain open to the elements.

While some local governments have chosen to upgrade their infrastructure to store compostable bags in their parks and reserves for residents and their dogs to use, the City is directing its resources towards a solution (Australia’s first Waste to Energy plant) that will ultimately see the majority of residential rubbish including dog bags diverted from landfill.

The Waste to Energy plant is scheduled to be operational by late 2022. It will help the City significantly reduce its reliance on landfill disposal; making a change towards achieving its zero waste objective.

Find out more about Waste to Energy here.