ZOO DOO COMPOST
The most “poopular” compost in the Pacific Northwest
How It’s Made
The Process Begins
The process begins when fresh manure and bedding materials are collected from animal habitats. Next, the materials are taken to the Zoo Doo yard for composting. We use an Aerated Static Pile System to do the composting.
Active Composting
This phase lasts 21 days and the piles maintain temperatures between 135°F and 165°F for over two weeks, which allows for optimal decomposition of organic materials as well as destroying weed seeds and potential pathogens.
Aerated Secondary Composting
Active composting is followed by aerated secondary composting for 21 more days. During this phase, temperatures in the pile decrease, and the decomposition slows down as the microbes finish breaking down the organic materials and mineralize plant-essential nutrients.
The Curing Process
After secondary composting, our piles are left to cure for another 60-90 days. After this whole process, the material looks and smells like rich organic soil or mulch, bearing little resemblance to its original components.
Ready to Use
Now it’s ready for use in home gardens!
Zoo Doo is safe to use right away on edible or ornamental plants.
Zoo Doo Gratitood
A BIG thank you to Waste Management!
Waste Management provides sustainability services for Woodland Park Zoo and is a proud supporter of the Zoo Doo Compost program. Waste Management’s donation of easy-roll carts takes the heavy lifting out of Zoo Doo, making it easier and safer for Zoo employees to compost on site. Woodland Park Zoo and Waste Management are committed to bringing nutrient-rich compost to gardens across Seattle in an effort to reduce the waste being disposed at landfills.
Read more about Waste Management’s commitment to a sustainable tomorrow in the 2023 Waste Management Sustainability Report.
Questions
Please reach out to our Sustainable Waste Specialist (Dr. Doo) for any other questions about Zoo Doo! Call 206-625-POOP