Pet Waste Pollutes Our Waters

Posted: August 30, 2022

The Randolph Township Health Department/Animal Control asks you to leash, curb and clean up after your dog and never dispose of pet waste in storm drains.

What’s the problem with pet waste? Pet waste transmits disease and can contaminate water sources.

According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, rain can wash pet waste that sits on a lawn or unpaved surface into storm drains, ultimately ending up in our lakes, rivers and the ocean. Pet waste contains coliform bacteria and other pollutants that can make people sick, and often cause beach closures on lakes or the ocean. Coliform bacteria can contaminate shellfish, which causes people to get very sick when they are eaten. Bacteria from pet waste can also pollute your drinking water, as well as kill fish, wildlife and plants. Pet waste is not only a health hazard but also a nuisance in our neighborhoods.

You can help! Use newspaper, plastic bags, or a pooper-scooper to pick up the waste when you walk your pet. Properly dispose of pet waste into the trash or toilet. (Do not dispose of newspaper or plastic bags in the toilet.)

Randolph Township adopted Ordinance No. 12-05:

Sec. 24-259. - Prohibited conduct.
The spilling, dumping, or disposal of materials other than storm water to the municipal separate storm sewer system operated by the Township of Randolph is prohibited. The spilling, dumping, or disposal of materials other than storm water in such a manner as to cause the discharge of pollutants to the municipal separate storm sewer system is also prohibited.

If anyone is caught dumping into the storm water sewer, the fine could be up to $2,000.00.