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The Problem with Cat Litter Waste
Let’s talk dirty—litter box dirty.
Every year, about 2.5 million tons of clay cat litter end up in U.S. landfills. Yep, millions of tons just sitting there, not breaking down. Considering the average cat parent goes through 28 to 40 pounds of litter per month, it adds up fast.
The problem? Traditional clay and silica litters don’t biodegrade. They stick around forever, taking up landfill space and contributing to environmental waste. Not exactly the greenest way to care for your kitty.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose between sustainability and a clean litter box.
There are natural, biodegradable cat litters—like those made from soy, grass, or coconut husk—that are safer for your cat and the planet. And once you make the switch, knowing how to dispose of them the right way makes all the difference.
Let’s dig into the best earth-friendly ways to get rid of cat litter so you can keep your home fresh, your cat happy, and your cat’s carbon pawprint low.
Why Traditional Cat Litter Is a Nightmare
Most cat parents don’t realize just how harmful conventional cat litter (clay and silica) can be—both for the environment and their cat’s health. Here’s what you should know:
- Clay litter is strip-mined, a process that destroys natural habitats, depletes non-renewable resources, and releases greenhouse gases. It’s estimated that, in the United States, there are 5 billion pounds of clay mined each year to be used for kitty litter.
- Silica-based crystal litter doesn’t biodegrade, meaning every scoop of soiled litter you toss sits in landfills for centuries. Silica litter is made from quartz, which is non-renewable and needs to be mined, similar to clay-based litters.
- Sodium bentonite—the key clumping agent in clay litter—expands up to 15 times its size when wet, making it great for absorbing urine, however, a nightmare if your kitty accidentally ingests it and terrible for plumbing and septic systems.
- Chemical additives & artificial fragrances found in many commercial cat litters can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have been linked to respiratory irritation and long-term health risks in both cats and humans.
And if you’re thinking, “Well, I’ll just toss it in the trash and be done with it,”—that’s exactly the problem. Traditional cat litter doesn’t go away. It builds up. It pollutes. It’s part of a growing waste crisis. So, what’s the solution?
A Better Way: Natural, Biodegradable Cat Litter
The best thing you can do is ditch conventional litters and switch to a biodegradable, plant-based alternative—then learn how to dispose of it the right way. These all-natural, plant-based options are:
- Biodegradable & compostable – They are made from natural, renewable materials like soy, corn, and wood, which decompose over time just like organic waste. Using compostable cat litter reduces waste buildup and helps return nutrients back to the soil instead of piling up as pollution.
- Safer for cats – No harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances which irritate respiratory systems and no risk of sodium bentonite ingestion which can cause intestinal blockages, dehydration, and at worst, death.
- Offer great odor control – Many natural litters neutralize smells without the need for synthetic perfumes which can deter your kitty from using the litter box.
- Lightweight – Plant-based litter is up to 50% lighter than clay, meaning easier handling, pouring, and storage.
💡Can’t decide which all-natural cat litter option is right for you? Take a look at this blog post where we break down the most popular options and give you the good, the bad, and the ugly of each.
And the best part? Once you’ve switched to a sustainable litter, there are earth-friendly ways to dispose of it that minimize waste and help protect the planet. Before we get to that, let’s start with what NOT to do.
What NOT to Do:
Even the most earth-friendly litter can have a negative impact if it’s not handled properly. So before we dive into the best ways to dispose of cat litter responsibly, let’s talk about common mistakes cat parents make (and what to do instead).
❌ Don’t Dump It Outside
You might think that tossing used cat litter into the woods or your backyard is a “natural” way to dispose of it. It’s not. It can actually be quite harmful to the environment. Cat waste contains bacteria, parasites, and pathogens that can spread disease, pollute soil and water sources, and disrupt local ecosystems.
❌ Don’t Use Plastic Bags for Disposal
Most people scoop used litter into plastic grocery bags and toss it in the trash without a second thought. But here’s the problem: plastic bags take up to 1,000 years to decompose in landfills. That means every bag of used litter just sits there indefinitely, trapping waste inside a non-degradable barrier. Even worse, as plastic breaks down, it releases microplastics that pollute soil and water—further harming the environment. So even if you’re using a biodegradable litter, sealing it in plastic defeats the purpose.
❌ Don’t Compost Cat Litter the Wrong Way
Yes, some biodegradable litters CAN be composted—but not all of them. Only certain plant-based litters—like those made from soy, wood, corn, or wheat—are safe for composting. Even then, the composting process must be handled properly to prevent contamination. You need to do it correctly to avoid spreading harmful bacteria. (Keep reading to learn how!)
Ok, now that we’ve covered what NOT to do when disposing of cat litter, let’s talk about the best eco-friendly ways to dispose of it responsibly. The right disposal method depends on the type of litter you use, your local waste regulations, and how much effort you’re willing to put into reducing your cat’s environmental impact.
The Best Eco-Friendly Ways to Dispose of Cat Litter
Here are four sustainable ways to dispose of cat litter that will help you keep waste out of landfills and minimize your cat’s carbon pawprint.
1. Compost It (But Do It Right!)
Best for: Cat parents using a 100% biodegradable litter (like soy, grass, corn, coconut, or wheat) and willing to maintain a composting system.
Yes, some plant-based cat litters can be composted—but it’s not as simple as tossing everything into your backyard compost bin. Cat waste can carry harmful bacteria and parasites, so you need to follow the right steps to compost safely.
How to Compost Cat Litter the Right Way:
- Use Biodegradable Ingredients: Use only natural, biodegradable litter (no clay, silica, chemical fillers, synthetic additives like perfumes or colorants). Soy-based, grass, coconut, and wheat litters work best. Clay, silica, and sodium bentonite-based litters CANNOT be composted.
- Set up a Separate Compost Bin: Never mix cat litter waste with food or garden compost. Create a dedicated compost pile just for pet waste, away from edible plants. Compost with cat waste should ONLY be used on non-edible flower gardens, the lawn, or shrubs.
- Collect Organic Waste: Begin by collecting organic waste like vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and yard waste in the compost bin. Avoid adding meat, dairy, and oily foods as they can attract pests.
- Turn the Compost: Regularly turn the compost to aerate it and speed up the decomposition process. This helps break down the materials into nutrient-rich soil.
- Let it Break Down Fully: Cat litter compost should be left to decompose for around 18-24 months to kill off harmful pathogens. Turning the compost regularly helps speed up the process. Once your compost is dark and crumbly, it's ready to use.
- Mix with Soil: Before planting your flowers or shrubs, mix the compost with your potting soil. A good ratio is about one part compost to two parts soil. This ensures that your flowers get a steady supply of nutrients as they grow.
- Top Dressing: You can also use compost as a top dressing for established plants. Simply spread a thin layer around the base of your plants every few weeks.
💡 Tip: Maintain the right conditions – Cat waste needs a hot composting environment (140°F or higher) to kill off bacteria and parasites.
⚠️ WARNING: Use only on non-edible plants – Compost from cat litter should NEVER be used on vegetable gardens, fruit trees, or any plants intended for human consumption. Instead, use it for flower beds, ornamental plants, or trees.
If composting sounds like too much effort (totally understandable!) or you don’t have the space for it, there are other sustainable ways to dispose of biodegradable litter. Here are other options…
2. Municipal Composting Programs
Best for: Cat parents who want an easy, hands-off way to dispose of biodegradable litter responsibly.
Did you know that some cities accept pet waste in municipal composting programs? While not every area has this option, more cities are starting to implement industrial composting facilities that can safely process biodegradable pet waste.
How to Check If Your City Accepts Pet Waste for Composting:
- Look up local composting guidelines – Search for pet waste disposal programs or composting facilities in your area. Here’s a good place to start.
- Ask your waste management provider – Some cities provide separate pet waste bins or allow certain biodegradable litters in green waste collection.
- Only use city-approved compostable bags – Some programs require pet waste to be in certified compostable bags rather than loose.
Municipal composting is an amazing low-effort option if your local town or city provides it—so if you’re unsure, just do a quick call to your local waste management service.
3. Flush It (Only If Approved in Your Area!)
Best for: Cat parents using flushable, septic-safe litter (like SoyKitty!) and living in areas where flushing pet waste is permitted.
Some biodegradable cat litters are flushable, meaning they break down in water and won’t clog your plumbing. But before you start flushing, check local regulations—some areas prohibit flushing pet waste due to concerns about water contamination.
How to Flush Cat Litter Safely:
- Use a septic-safe, flushable litter: Not all biodegradable litters are flushable, so always read the packaging.
- Flush in small amounts: Dumping large amounts at once can clog pipes. Scoop and flush in small portions…about the size of a cue ball is the maximum size.
- Check wastewater treatment guidelines: Some areas have strict rules about flushing pet waste, especially in coastal states like California, where toxoplasmosis contamination is a concern for the marine wildlife.
⚠️ WARNING: Never flush clay, silica, or clumping litters that use chemical clumping agents—they can clog plumbing and damage septic systems.
If flushing isn’t an option in your area, don’t worry—there are still more eco-friendly disposal options available!
4. Use a Biodegradable/Compostable Trash Bag
Best for: Cat parents who don’t have access to composting or flushing options but want to minimize landfill waste.
If composting or flushing isn’t an option, the next best thing is disposing of litter in a biodegradable or compostable trash bag. Regular plastic bags can trap waste for centuries (you learned this above). Biodegradable bags break down into smaller pieces over time, while compostable bags are designed to fully decompose in a composting environment, leaving no harmful residue behind.
How to Use Biodegradable Bags for Cat Litter Disposal:
- Use a compostable pet waste bag (if possible) – Look for plant-based bags that are certified compostable.
- Opt for a landfill-friendly litter – Even if your biodegradable or compostable bag ends up in a landfill, biodegradable, plant-based cat litters will still break down.
- Scoop waste into the bag & tie it securely – This ensures minimal leakage and contamination.
- Compost — If you have a compost bin at home, you can dispose of compostable waste bags in it.
- Regular trash disposal — If composting options aren’t available in your area, compostable poop bags can still be disposed of in your regular trash. While not ideal, it is still a more eco-friendly option than traditional plastic bags.
⚠️ WARNING: Avoid using plastic grocery bags—they take hundreds of years to degrade and completely defeat the purpose of using an eco-friendly litter.
Product Recommendations:
Wrap It Up
Disposing of cat litter responsibly might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about sustainability—but as a cat parent, your choices matter. Every time you scoop the litter box, you have an opportunity to reduce waste, minimize pollution, and protect your cat’s health while making a positive impact on the planet.
By switching to a biodegradable, plant-based litter and choosing eco-friendly disposal methods, you’re keeping millions of pounds of waste out of landfills and making a more sustainable choice for your home and the environment. Whether you compost, flush (where permitted), use a municipal composting program, or opt for biodegradable trash bags, the key is ditching clay and silica-based options and choosing a solution that aligns with your lifestyle.
What’s Next? Take Action!
Now that you know the best ways to dispose of cat litter responsibly, it’s time to take action:
✅ Make the switch to an eco-friendly litter. Not sure where to start? Check out our guide to choosing the best natural cat litter.
✅ Start disposing of litter the right way. Whether you compost, flush, or use biodegradable bags, pick the method that works best for you.
✅ Spread the word! Share this blog post with other cat parents who want to make smarter, more sustainable choices for their kitties.
