The Poo Free Parks™Program

Introduction

Through a new and unique public-private partnership, Poo Free Parks® supplies, installs, and maintains Earth-Friendly Bag Dispensers filled with free biodegradable Pet Poo Bags to dog owners walking their furry friends in neighborhood and city parks throughout the United States. Poo Free Parks provides this service completely for free to the Municipality and the taxpayer.

The entire program is completely subsidized by the generous contributions from our sponsors, who are recognized for their support on signage attached to each station.

The Poo Free Parks program is designed to help rid our parks of pet waste by attacking the problem from two angles; through public education, and through the consistent and reliable supply of tools necessary to “doo the right thing.”

The attractive, conveniently-placed, and reliably filled poo bag stations are located throughout dog-friendly parks, and act as reminders to dog owners that it is their responsibility to pick up after their pets. Predictably, compliance with curbing laws in parks serviced by the program has increased substantially.

Through our pilot program in Denver, we have learned that when a dog owner is provided with the tools needed to pick up after their pet, and are informed of the benefits of doing so, the pet owner responds appropriately. Perhaps more importantly, those who choose not to comply are scolded by others who are quick to point out that with our stations so nearby, there is no excuse for them not to.

In addition to using biodegradable plastic bags, and in keeping with our commitment to “green” practices, maintenance staff members drive hybrid vehicles, effectively reducing our program’s overall carbon footprint.

Our Services

Poo Free Parks® will provide the following services:

• Provide and install professionally-designed and attractive Poo Free Parks® bag dispensers made of 100% recyclable aluminum.
• Stock and re-stock the dispensers on a regular basis with 100% biodegradable plastic bags.
• Clean, maintain and repair dispensers, including graffiti removal.
• Clearly display a Poo Free Parks phone number on each dispenser for reporting any need for attention.

Our Dispensers

• Are constructed from 100% recyclable aluminum.
• Will not easily deteriorate and are designed to endure harsh weather conditions.
• Will be replaced and/or repaired when not functioning or fall short of appearance standards.
• Are secure from people using them as a waste basket.
• Are reliably stocked with biodegradable plastic poo bags.
• Are eye catching and pleasant to look at.
• Are locked to deter theft and vandalism.

Our Bags

• Oxo-biodegradable bags are made from 100% degradable plastics
• The bags will biodegrade within 18 months, once discarded properly.
• When biodegraded, only naturally occurring and environmentally beneficial elements (carbon, water, and biomass) will remain.
• Are as sturdy as regular plastic bags.
• Are recyclable with traditional plastics.
• Will not negatively impact soil, water, or air quality.

Our Staff

As caring members of the human community, we are working with a local homeless rehabilitation facility, and a battered women's shelter in an effort to employ their residents and graduates. Through this program, overworked Parks & Rec employees will be relieved of any responsibilities for checking bag stations; however they will continue to empty the nearby trash cans, as this will not be the responsibility of Poo Free Parks, or our employees.

Program Funding

Poo Free Parks® is able to provide this public service at no cost to the public by giving businesses the opportunity to sponsor dispensers and bags. Program sponsorship is similar in concept to the litter control programs along our nation’s roads and highways, where a tasteful sign announces what group or company is sponsoring the cleanup of a particular section of road, enabling organizations to contribute to a community service and receive recognition for doing so.