Compost It! Tumbleweed Pet Poo Converter

Waste from carnivorous animals should not be added to the regular compost bin or used in produce gardens because it may contain harmful bacteria and parasites. However, it can be processed separately and used on ornamental plants. We recently spotted this Pet Poo Converter from Tumbleweed and are considering getting one to share with our neighbors (we're cat owners and they have two small dogs).

The Converter works using worms, which feed on the droppings, transforming them into worm castings and liquid fertilizer, both of which can safely be used on non-food plants. According to Tumbleweed, the Converter will handle the droppings of two medium size dogs. It looks like a clean and easy solution, and is relatively affordable compared to other pet poo composters.

Have you used the Tumbleweed Pet Poo Converter or do you have experience with pet waste composting?

• Tumbleweed Pet Poo Converter
• Available from Clean Air Gardening for $99.99

(Images: Clean Air Gardening, Tumbleweed)

What about toxioplasmosis? (sp?)

I thought pet poo shouldn't be used on any edible garden (even composted pet poo) because the eggs of the above (bacteria?) can survive composting... I'd be nervous to try given the problems that can develop in humans as a result of that nastiness.

posted by ksholder on October 20th 2009 at 11:00am
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@ksholder As mentioned above, the compost should only be used for ornamental plants, not edibles.

posted by Emily Ho on October 20th 2009 at 11:23am
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As a cat owner, I'd be interested but concerned about separating the poo from the kitty litter. Is this feasible? (I use Purina's recycled newspaper litter, so it is biodegradeable I think...)

The product page seems to be mostly talking about dogs, perhaps poop from other animals is a bit small?

posted by theninthcloud on October 20th 2009 at 3:43pm
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