Dog Waste Stations

The Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD) has started the second phase of dog waste station installations. This spring, MCOSD will remove old disposal sites and install new waste stations in Rush Creek, Mount Burdell, and Loma Alta preserves.

The Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD) has installed 23 dog waste stations at priority locations in county open space preserves. The waste stations are accompanied by informational signs for dog walkers, highlighting the importance of safe disposal of canine waste. The waste stations will help dog walkers safely enjoy the preserves, while mitigating the impact of dog waste along roads and trails, which can affect visitor experience, as well as pollute native habitats and watersheds.

Additional dog waste stations will be installed incrementally over time, with the next phase of installation expected to take place later in 2021. In most cases, these  new dog waste stations are replacing outdated receptacles that have outlived their lifespan.

• First Phase Dog Waste Station Installation Locations pdf

An estimated 60,000 dogs reside in Marin County. Many of these companion canines enjoy being exercised in County preserves, alongside human guardians. But research has shown that dog waste can damage native habitats, by spreading E. coli and giardia, and adding nitrogen that fuels algae blooms in waterways. To support safe use by canines, the Parks team worked to find the most durable and easy-to-use waste stations. The team also developed a communications strategy to encourage use of the stations. 

• Dog Waste Communications White Paper pdf

The main goal of this project is to entice visitors to pick up and dispose of dog poo without leaving bags by the side of the trail. A successful outcome will lead to a better visitor experience, as well as improved environmental and public health conditions in public preserves.

• Installation of 18 new dog waste stations at 10 open space preserves.
• Dog waste stations include an improved waste receptacle and a bag dispenser with educational sign 
• New ADA-compliant receptacles feature animal- and odor-proof top-loading doors and durable construction. 
• Some locations feature enhanced locations further along the trail so that visitors don’t have to hold the dog poo bag for their entire hike
• Educational messages are affixed via decals to dog waste receptacles and bag dispenser. Educational signs also accompany the stations.
• Educational messages are strategically aimed at different types of dog-walking audiences and grounded in leave no trace research studies 

• 2018: Planning process commenced with Measure A funds.
• 2019: Ordered customized ADA dog waste receptacles. Identified priority dog waste locations. 
• Summer 2020: Educational messaging strategy developed.
• Fall 2020–Winter 2021:Prototypes installed. Dog Waste Location siting. Contractor selected for installation.
• Winter 2021: Installations continue across 10 preserves