Pet Waste and Animal Manure

Pet waste and animal manure are sources of water pollution. If left on the ground, the nutrients, bacteria, parasites, and viruses in animal waste can flow into streams and lakes with rainwater runoff. Pick up after your pets and clean the areas your animals live in to help keep pollutants out of our local waterways.

If you observe stormwater pollution, call the Stormwater Helpline at 919-996-3940 or send an email to IllegalDischarge@raleighnc.gov.

Remember to "Scoop it, Bag it, Bin it"

• Remember to bring a bag on your walks
• Picking up pet waste protects the health of your pet and everyone’s local waterways.
• Use a trash bin, whether it’s a personal, community, or a city-provided one.
  • Please do not throw bags in the storm drain, these lead directly to creeks and streams!
• Don’t forget to pick up pet waste in your own backyard too, especially if you have a stream or creek.

Have livestock or other animals?

• Composting is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to manage livestock animal waste to reduce nutrient and bacteria pollution.
• Install a berm or hay bale buffer between livestock areas and creeks or streams.
• Be sure to follow all Animal Feeding Operations Rules and Statutes as directed by the State of North Carolina.