[POLL] The Scoop On Montclair's Dog Poop

Cleaning up after Montclair's canine companions is the owner's responsibility and the issue is the subject of our Question of the Week.

A Montclair Patch reader's question:

"We recently moved to Montclair from the city, where there were garbage cans on every corner. That made throwing out our dog's poop bags easy. But, here in Montclair, there aren't garbage cans and I'm wondering what people do with their baggies. We tried putting them in our trash cans but the smell is disgusting and—in the heat—it attracts bugs. Is this what people are doing?? I can't figure it out and need help! Thought this might be a good place to turn. Thanks."

The answer, from Gray Russell, the Township of Montclair's environmental coordinator, is as follows:

"Dog and cat poop—unlike rabbit/hamster/chicken poop—cannot be composted, and should be disposed of as refuse. Dog walkers should dispose of their pet waste in their household refuse, not in a public container in the commercial districts."

So, in short, residents are asked to dispose of poop in their own trash cans. For a list of Essex County's Off-Leash Dog Facilities go here. At all parks, dog waste must be collected and disposed of properly.