Kingborough Council is considering a plan to upgrade biodegradable dog waste bags to compostable ones in a move that would cost nearly $30,000 extra per year and could be funded by an increase in dog registration fees.
The proposed compostable bags are made from plant-based materials like corn starch and wheat.
Currently, degradable dog bags are used and are made from plastic with added chemicals to help them break down over time.
Each week, 15,000 dog bags are used from public bins in Kingborough totalling around 760,000 per year.
The transition to compostable bags is expected to cost an additional $28,000 per year and would add $5 to the dog registration fee to cover the cost of the upgrade.
While a composting service would enhance the environmental benefits of compostable bags, the associated costs are estimated at $250,000 per year and are not recommended by council officers.
The new scheme was supported by councillors at a meeting on Monday night and is proposed to start in the next financial year.
Kingborough currently has 5,732 registered dogs.
