Can I leave a dog poo bag and pick it up on my way back?

No, you shouldn't. People often forget, take a different route back, or genuinely can't find it again. Other walkers have no way of knowing your intentions—they just see another abandoned bag.

Are biodegradable dog poo bags okay to leave in nature?

No, they're not. Even biodegradable bags need specific conditions to break down properly, and those conditions don't exist when they're hanging in a hedge. Standard bags can take years to decompose.

How do I carry dog poo bags on a long walk without bins?

You can clip the bag to your dog's lead, use a dedicated pocket, or get a small dispenser that holds used bags. Some people double bag or keep a sealed container in their rucksack for longer walks.

Respect the Countryside

No bin? Take it home: why dog poo bags belong in your pocket, not a hedge

If you've ever wondered why Britain's hedgerows are festooned with neon poo bags like the world's worst bunting, here's a straightforward explanation of why the "I'll pick it up on the way back" excuse doesn't wash and what you're actually supposed to do instead.

15 October 20268 min read