The City has received more than 200 requests about dog poo this year, including around a third from community members asking for new dog bins and bag dispensers.

Installing additional dog bins and bag dispensers at popular walking spots has not consistently reduced dog litter, indicating a change in behaviour is needed.

There are currently 31,377 registered dogs across Greater Geelong, with dog ownership continuing to grow alongside the region’s population and new residential communities.

The City currently maintains 119 dog waste bins and bag dispensers, including at dog parks in Belmont, Lara and Corio, with a new dog park opening soon in Charlemont.

At $1,290 per year, maintaining a dog bin and bag dispenser station costs considerably more than other bin services provided by the City.

By comparison, a residential bin service covering three bins costs $544.20 a year, while a public litter bin costs between $400 and $600, depending on service frequency.

Dog bag dispensers also create their own challenges, with bag rolls often removed after servicing. High winds can cause bags to come loose, creating litter and potentially damaging surrounding property.

Dog owners are encouraged to use litter bins available in most parks and reserves or take bagged waste home and put it in their red landfill bin when there isn't a suitable bin nearby.

Pet waste cannot be disposed of in household green garden organics bins due to health risks posed to workers handling bin contents.

Under the City's current Local Laws, any person in charge of a dog in a public place must carry a device or bags capable of collecting their dog's waste when in a public place. Anyone caught leaving animal waste or without a suitable device may be fined $418.20 per offence.

Many pet waste bags are biodegradable and designed to break down under landfill conditions, but they do not simply disappear when left in the environment.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM

We know most dog owners do the right thing by picking up after their pets, and we appreciate their diligence in keeping community spaces clean for everyone.

Picking up your dog’s waste and leaving the bag behind simply moves the problem somewhere else, and it can encourage others to do the same.

We all have a responsibility to keep our environment clean. Your neighbours don’t want to step over bags of dog waste on their morning walk. It’s simple – bin it.

Environment and Circular Economy portfolio chair Councillor Elise Wilkinson 

The joy of dog ownership comes hand in hand with the responsibility of disposing of their waste.

It’s easy to forget to collect it if you put it down with the best of intentions to grab it on your way back past. Tie it to the dog lead if that’s more appealing than carrying it.

Please don’t leave it on our paths and in our parks. Aside from the environmental impact, these are shared community spaces that everyone should be able to enjoy.

For more information about dogs in public places, including a dog walking map see our information on dogs in public places.