Person Comes to Reddit After Getting Roasted About Carrying Dog Poop Around Until They Get Back to Their Personal Trash Can
A 28-year-old woman didn’t expect her neighborhood dog-poop detour to turn into a full-blown Reddit debate, but here we are. She says she’s part of a community social media group, so when this issue popped up, it didn’t stay private for long.
The whole thing started when she carried her dog’s waste across the neighborhood to reach her own personal trash can. Simple, right? Apparently not. Other people weighed in like she’d committed a crime, and OP ended up wondering why anyone thought her method was even worth arguing about.
Now she’s stuck reading comment after comment about whose trash bins are “allowed,” and it’s not as straightforward as you’d think.
OP starts off the post by stating that they have a social media group for their community.

This person goes on to explain that they are looking to see if they are wrong for carrying the dog poop across the neighborhood to take it to a trash can.

OP adds an edit to help explain a bit more of what they mean and what exactly the debate was about.

OP lays out that she has a community social media group, and suddenly a walk to the trash can becomes a neighborhood headline.
Carrying dog waste until reaching a personal trash can might seem trivial, but it speaks volumes about social norms surrounding pet ownership. Societal expectations can create pressure on pet owners to adhere to certain behaviors that reflect responsibility and care. When individuals deviate from these norms, they often face scrutiny from others, leading to feelings of embarrassment or shame. This dynamic illustrates how peer perception can influence behavior, pushing individuals to conform to prevailing social standards.
The first comment states that OP is NTA and that it's not right for someone to use other people's trash bins.

OP responded to the comment above with this, which helps to explain what OP means.

Everyone seems to think that she's NTA, and I think a lot of people are confused as to why this was even a debate or argument at all.

When she clarifies in an edit that she’s only using her own personal bin, the debate shifts from “gross” to “rules.”
Behavioral scientists suggest that the motivation to conform stems from a desire for social acceptance. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that people are often motivated to align their actions with group expectations to avoid social disapproval. When it comes to pet ownership, this can create a challenging landscape for individuals trying to do the right thing while also managing societal perceptions. This pressure can result in unnecessary anxiety and conflict, especially in mundane situations like managing pet waste.
This is similar to the Redditor who yelled at neighbors over dog poop bags on his lawn, then got called an A-hole.
This would be my question too because I'm not sure why that would be normalized either way, but I guess some people think differently.

This comment states that OP is NTA but also that they wouldn't be upset if someone used their trash can for this.

This is quite disrespectful; we have to agree. We can't imagine why that would be normalized, but I guess things are different for this community.

One commenter calls her NTA, and OP doubles down by pointing out the real issue, people using other people’s trash bins.
Strategies for Managing Social Pressure
To alleviate the stress associated with social norms, pet owners can benefit from fostering a supportive network with other pet owners who share similar values. Engaging in open conversations about the challenges of pet care can create a sense of belonging and mutual understanding. Additionally, establishing personal rituals that prioritize responsible pet ownership, regardless of social perception, can empower individuals to make choices that align with their values rather than societal expectations. This shift can lead to a more fulfilling experience as a pet owner.
This is also another concern because I wouldn't want it sitting in the trash can all day, especially if it's not even from my dog.

This is a pretty simple comment, but they said it well and straightforwardly. Ultimately, this is what we agree with for sure.

The water bottle issue is much different than dog poop being thrown in your trash.

Even after the “she’s NTA” consensus, the thread still gets weird, because someone says they wouldn’t mind if another person used the same kind of bin.
Psychologists emphasize the importance of self-acceptance in navigating social pressures. When individuals can embrace their choices without fear of judgment, it fosters a more authentic experience. Practicing mindfulness can help individuals remain grounded, focusing on their values rather than external expectations. This approach not only reduces anxiety but also promotes a healthier relationship with one's responsibilities as a pet owner.
Well, this was an interesting story. We agree with OP and think that this is definitely pretty disrespectful.
We aren't sure why this would be normalized anyway, but we understand that other communities have different rules. However, OP would never be TA for not throwing their dog's poop into someone else's trash bin.
In navigating the social norms surrounding pet ownership, the situation presented by the Reddit user highlights the complexities of public perception and personal responsibility. The decision to carry dog poop until reaching a personal trash can raises questions about societal expectations for pet owners. The user’s experience reflects a broader issue where the pressure to conform to social standards can clash with individual values. By focusing on what feels right to them rather than succumbing to external judgments, pet owners can tackle these challenges with a sense of empowerment and authenticity.
She’s left wondering why the neighborhood cared so much more about her trash-can logistics than about actually cleaning up.
Want the same curbside drama? See how one Redditor got slammed for leaving dog poop on the curb.