City Council Tackles Poo-llution, Passes Four-Bill ‘SCOOP’ Act

The pet parents of New York just got a new way to give back, so to speak, to the parks that provide their doggos room and relief: Starting in 2027, a pilot program will compost the staggering 500,000 pounds of canine waste collected in city dog runs each day. The bill, introduced by Councilmember Harvey Epstein, is part of a legislative package passed Thursday aimed at clearing dog doodoo from New York’s sidewalks and public spaces. The Safe and Clean Outdoor Ownership Practices (SCOOP) Act allots $180,000 to install compostable dog waste bags and collection bins to enable volunteer groups to collect and compost the poo. Speaking to reporters ahead of the vote, City Council Speaker Julie Menin cited almost 3,000 calls 311 has received so far this year related to unpicked-up poop left behind by some of New York’s estimated 600,000 canine companions.“This is an increasing problem, and so the council is now acting to address it,” she said.The compost bill proved to be the most controversial piece of the four-bill package, which also includes provisions to provide additional poop bags, signage and owner education. While the other bills passed unanimously, four councilmembers objected to the composting legislation, while Councilmember Gale Brewer abstained, citing concerns that the program could create problems with park workers “interfacing with the dog feces.”The bill also includes a reporting requirement for the Parks Department to report how much waste it collects from more than 90 dog runs and how the compost is used.Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse sponsored the bill to increase signage reminding owners of the penalties for failing to pick up after their pets.“In plain, simple language: pick up after your dog, or pick up your sh*t, here is the fine if you don’t,” Narcisse told AMNY. “Most dog owners already do the right thing. … This bill’s for the ones counting on nobody seeing them.”

City Council Tackles Poo-llution, Passes Four-Bill ‘SCOOP’ Act

City Council Tackles Poo-llution, Passes Four-Bill ‘SCOOP’ Act

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