In September 2022, Middlesex Centre introduced new in-ground dog waste containers at Deerhaven, Douglas B. Weldon, Komoka and Westbrook parks. You might have noticed these bright green containers near the park entrances.
We’ve seen a number of benefits from “going underground" for dog waste storage, including reduced odours, less park space used for garbage cans, and easier park cleaning and maintenance.
In 2024, 3,228 kg (7,117 lb.) of waste was collected via the containers. That works out to be about 20,300 times that dogs and their owners used the containers. Picking up poop is a crappy job (sorry, we couldn’t resist!), and we appreciate all the dog owners that have been doing their part to keep our parks clean.
After it is collected, the dog waste is taken for processing in Waterloo Region, where it is turned into fertilizer and electricity from biogas. In 2024, processing the waste rather than sending it to landfill saved 90 kg of carbon dioxide from going into the atmosphere, and produced enough energy to power 1.89 homes for a year.
Since the program began to the end of last year, Middlesex Centre has collected 5,018 kg (11,062 lb.) of dog waste via the in-ground containers.
With these continuing “paw-sitive” results, municipal staff are looking to expand the program. In 2025, a new container will be added at the back of Komoka Park. Additional new and existing parks as budget allows.
Are you a dog owner? Please remember:
- Be a respectful park visitor. Pick-up and properly dispose of your litter and dog poop!
- Dogs are not allowed to run-at-large, and need to be on a leash when you are out for a walk or visiting a park. The only exception is at designated dog off leash areas (parks).
- Learn more about dogs in Middlesex Centre on our Animal Services page.