logo
Animals Cats Dogs Our Channels Our Authors

The Unwritten Rules Of Doggy Doo Disposal When In Unfamiliar Territory

Tom
by Tom
12 Jul 2024

Crazy things happen every day, and with them come the crazy questions we never knew we needed answers to. One of these gems found its way to Quora.

[ADVERTISEMENT]

A user innocently asked if it was okay to dump a bag of dog poop in a random garbage can if you were passing through an unfamiliar neighborhood. This query, my friends, opened the floodgates to a debate more heated than pineapple on pizza. The responses ranged from the sensible to the downright furious.

[ADVERTISEMENT]

First up was the practical thinker. They argued that if the garbage hadn’t been picked up yet, tossing your dog’s waste into someone else’s bin might go unnoticed and unbothered. 

On the other hand, the idea of leaving your stinky surprise for a week in someone else’s freshly emptied bin was a hard no. The vision of that unbagged mess festering for days, ready to unleash its pungent wrath when the bin is next opened, was enough to turn stomachs.

One tale of woe came from a person who discovered their neighbor had sneakily deposited unbagged dog doo into their bin. The resulting drama with the local council, who threatened to refuse trash collection, added a layer of bureaucratic horror to the situation. 

Luckily, a handy security camera saved the day. It caught the poop perpetrator red-handed and brought the entire saga to an end. So, beware—cameras might be watching.

Others took a firm stand on the side of personal responsibility; they insisted that no matter the circumstances, one should always carry their dog's poop home. 

A responsible dog owner, after all, shouldn’t be outsourcing their pet’s waste management.

Let’s dig into the details

Let’s dig into the details
Quora.com
[ADVERTISEMENT]

“It's generally not considered polite to dispose of your dog's waste in someone else's trash can without their permission.”

“It's generally not considered polite to dispose of your dog's waste in someone else's trash can without their permission.”
Quora.com

“I see nothing wrong with adding garbage to garage.”

“I see nothing wrong with adding garbage to garage.”
Quora.com

Understanding Social Norms and Their Impact

Social norms play a crucial role in shaping our behaviors, especially in unfamiliar environments. According to research published in the American Psychological Association, individuals often look to social cues to guide their actions when navigating new social landscapes.

When it comes to doggy doo disposal, understanding these unwritten rules helps maintain community standards and fosters a sense of belonging. People are more likely to engage positively when they feel they are adhering to shared expectations.

“Garbage day or not, I always put the bag of dog poo I collected into the nearest black garbage receptacle.”

“Garbage day or not, I always put the bag of dog poo I collected into the nearest black garbage receptacle.”
Quora.com
[ADVERTISEMENT]

“If you're walking your dog and you've picked up after it with one of those little bags and you drop it in my can I won't care. I promise.”

“If you're walking your dog and you've picked up after it with one of those little bags and you drop it in my can I won't care. I promise.”
Quora.com

“Depends. Some people don’t like it if you do this, some people don’t care.”

“Depends. Some people don’t like it if you do this, some people don’t care.”
Quora.com

Behavioral psychology suggests that the way we dispose of pet waste can reflect deeper psychological factors, including our adherence to social responsibility. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that individuals who engaged in responsible pet ownership reported higher overall life satisfaction.

This correlation suggests that fulfilling social obligations, even minor ones, can enhance our self-esteem and interpersonal relationships.

“If the cans are out in the street, absolutely you can add your bag of dog poop.”

“If the cans are out in the street, absolutely you can add your bag of dog poop.”
Quora.com
[ADVERTISEMENT]

“Stink is stink is stink. Is your stink REALLY less stinky than my stink?”

“Stink is stink is stink. Is your stink REALLY less stinky than my stink?”
Quora.com

“Can you imagine going to court over a fight, because you threw your dogs poop in a neighbors trash can?”

“Can you imagine going to court over a fight, because you threw your dogs poop in a neighbors trash can?”
Quora.com

The Role of Empathy in Community Actions

Empathy is a significant psychological driver that influences how we act in shared spaces. Research indicates that individuals who feel a strong sense of community are more likely to engage in behaviors that benefit the collective, such as cleaning up after their pets.

According to a study from Psychological Science, fostering empathy through community engagement initiatives can lead to increased cooperation and adherence to social norms.

“If the (black) bins are out and not yet collected, then it is fine to drop the poo bag in the bin. The contents are going to the same place as your bin.”

“If the (black) bins are out and not yet collected, then it is fine to drop the poo bag in the bin. The contents are going to the same place as your bin.”
Quora.com
[ADVERTISEMENT]

“Just don’t. Take it home and put it in your own can.”

“Just don’t. Take it home and put it in your own can.”
Quora.com

“Once your trash barrel is out on the curb for pickup it is open for business.”

“Once your trash barrel is out on the curb for pickup it is open for business.”
Quora.com

Practical solutions also exist for those navigating the complexities of dog ownership in new areas. Community workshops that educate pet owners on local regulations and etiquette can foster a sense of responsibility and connection.

Additionally, establishing a local pet owner group can provide a platform for sharing experiences and reinforcing community standards, ultimately benefiting both pets and their owners.

“I think so, as long as there is enough room for it, so that it doesn’t fall out.”

“I think so, as long as there is enough room for it, so that it doesn’t fall out.”
Quora.com

So, what have we learned from this poop-tastic debate? While some see a random garbage bin as fair game, others view it as a sacred space not to be defiled. 

The bottom line: maybe it’s best to err on the side of caution and just take your poop home. Because, really, nobody wants a poopocalypse in their bin.

Expert Opinion

This situation reflects a common challenge in community dynamics, where individuals may feel uncertain about social expectations. It's essential to recognize that our behaviors, even in pet ownership, can significantly affect our relationships with neighbors and the broader community.

Expert
Dr Emily Carter
Psychologist

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Understanding the unwritten rules of pet ownership is vital for community cohesion. As demonstrated by various studies, adhering to social norms not only improves community relations but also enhances individual well-being.

Taking the time to educate ourselves and engage with our neighbors can foster a more harmonious living environment.

Share this article:

Facebook icon Pinterest icon Tumblr icon Link icon Twitter icon

Related Articles

Scientists Revive Dire Wolves After 10,000 Years And Pay Tribute To Game Of Thrones

Scientists Revive Dire Wolves After 10,000 Years And Pay Tribute To Game Of Thrones

What Happened to a Teenager’s Pony After a Zoo’s Unusual Request

What Happened to a Teenager’s Pony After a Zoo’s Unusual Request

This Is The Only Animal That May Survive The End Of Civilization

This Is The Only Animal That May Survive The End Of Civilization

Influencer Under Fire For Taking Baby Wombat From Its Mother In Australia

Influencer Under Fire For Taking Baby Wombat From Its Mother In Australia

Vet Shares The Hidden Dangers Of Throwing Sticks For Dogs

Vet Shares The Hidden Dangers Of Throwing Sticks For Dogs

Scientists Reveal Incredible Glowing Organism In The Ocean That You Can See From Space

Scientists Reveal Incredible Glowing Organism In The Ocean That You Can See From Space

Brave Officers Take Heroic Dive Into Vile, Muck-Ridden Sewage Drain To Retrieve Adorable Puppy Trapped Inside

Brave Officers Take Heroic Dive Into Vile, Muck-Ridden Sewage Drain To Retrieve Adorable Puppy Trapped Inside

Meat-Eaters Warned as Wild Pigs Found With Fluorescent Blue Flesh

Meat-Eaters Warned as Wild Pigs Found With Fluorescent Blue Flesh

Categories

Funny Animals Interesting Freaky Pop Culture

Business

About Us Advertise Contact Us

Legal

Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy DMCA Removal
 Logo
About Us Privacy DMCA Removal Terms Fact Checking Policy Contact Us Our Authors Our Channels Animals Cats Dogs

© 2025 - All Rights Reserved

 logo

Sign In to

facebook icon Sign in with facebook
facebook icon Sign in with google

Or sign in with email

Need an account? Sign Up

Forgot Password?

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service

 logo

Sign Up to

Already have an account? Sign In

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service

Edit profile

User Photo