Cleveland's great dog poop bag debate
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Our question about dog poop bag etiquette — is it acceptable to throw it in a stranger's trash can? — generated more reader feedback than any story we've written all year.
What we learned: By and large, you guys are conscientious neighbors.
- Even folks on opposite sides of the issue recognize that circumstances can often dictate best practices.
- And no one wants to be yelled at while out walking their dog.
Here's a smattering of reader responses:
Gavin M.: It all comes down to how long the poop is going to be in the trash can. This is due to it potentially going back into an enclosed garage and not wanting your garage to smell like someone else's dog's butt.
Demitra B.: I used to throw poop bags in residential city trash cans that were out on the curb, until it became a hot topic in the block club.
- It's easier to hold onto my bag until I see a public can or get home than to be yelled at by an unreasonable neighbor.
Simon H.: I have experience in Europe of folks being charged by trash weight. I can see why in that scenario things could be unpleasant, but come on.
Jeffrey S.: Throwing something loose in there that'll get all over the place when they come to get it and leave a horrible mess and/or stench? Go away!
- Properly bagged trash in my trash bin that'll get picked up normally and cause me no trouble? Go for it; that's what it's there for.
Daune C.: Ultimately, I think about whether I would be rankled if I looked out the window and saw someone throwing something into my trash bin at the curb. I think I would. So, we keep our poop bags to our own bins.
Julia B.: "It's technically owned by the city" is bad logic — in that case, why not leave your doggie bag on the sidewalk? The city technically owns those, too.
- Maybe I'm jaded because people regularly throw garbage in our bins after pickup, but it's very obnoxious. You're walking home anyway, put it in your own can.
John R: How would you feel about someone putting a full trash bag in your can without asking? The only difference between these two scenarios is the amount.
Cory R: Dog owners should carry the full responsibility of owning a dog and not outsource the inconveniences on others.
Cynthia H.: Sam sounds quite entitled and completely rude.
💠Sam's thought bubble: Color me chastened!
- I'm frankly stunned by the sanctimony with which people are discussing their trash cans, and I think the fears of tearing and spillage are overblown, especially if poop bags are placed on top of other garbage the night before pickup.
- But this feedback was a real wake-up call.