No. Cat feces can carry Toxoplasma and shouldn't go in a home compost bin.
Why
Home compost piles rarely get hot enough everywhere to kill Toxoplasma eggs. Those eggs can survive for long periods and infect people who garden with the compost.
Quick facts
| Carbon to nitrogen | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Hot pile | Does not break down |
| Cold pile | Does not break down |
| Worm bin | No · Parasites can survive and harm worms and humans. |
| Bokashi | No · Pathogens and parasites survive the process. |
| City green bin | Usually banned; check local rules |
| Prep | Do not compost; bag and trash instead |
| Mix with | Do not mix into compost piles |
| Pest risk | High · Pathogens can contaminate soil and vector disease. |
How to get rid of cat poop
- Scoop cat feces into a bag and tie it closed.
- Put the bag in the trash.
- Clean the litter box daily and wash your hands afterward.
Which types of cat poop can you compost?
- Standard litter box waste: No. Contains raw feces and urine that harbor dangerous pathogens like Toxoplasma gondii.
- Used cat litter: No. Clay, wood, or crystal litters soaked in cat waste remain contaminated and unsafe for compost.
- Feline manure from vegan cats: No. Even without a meat diet, cat feces can still carry harmful bacteria and parasites.
Watch out for
- Don't use compost made with cat poop on vegetables.
- Don't add cat feces to your bin, even with other waste.
- Wear gloves when cleaning the litter box.
What to do instead
- Bag it and trash it.
- Ask a vet about safe ways to dispose of pet waste.
Myths about composting cat poop
- Myth: Hot composting kills all pathogens including cat parasites. Truth: Home compost piles rarely maintain the extreme, uniform heat required over enough time to reliably destroy Toxoplasma eggs.
- Myth: Burying cat poop deep in the garden is a safe alternative to composting. Truth: Shallow burial still allows parasites to persist in garden soil and potentially contaminate root vegetables or runoff.
Can cat poop go in a green bin or recycling?
Most municipal green waste or curbside food scrap collection programs strictly prohibit pet waste, including cat feces and litter, because it contaminates the finished compost intended for public parks and agriculture. A small number of specialized municipal programs accept certified compostable pet waste bags in specific green bins, but this is rare. Always check your local waste management rules before placing any pet waste in municipal bins. If prohibited, securely bag the waste and place it in your regular household trash.
Common questions
Can I compost cat poop with yard waste?
No. Mixing it in doesn't make it safe.
Why can cat poop be dangerous?
It can carry Toxoplasma, which can cause illness in people, especially pregnant women and people with weak immune systems.
Can I use cat poop compost on flowers?
Better not. Keep it out of any bed where you grow food, and avoid it on flowers too.
Is cat poop biodegradable?
It breaks down, but the parasites can survive, so it's not safe to compost at home.
Rules vary by town and by composting method. When in doubt, check with your local composting or waste program.