Sick of stepping in dog poop in the parks?  So is Eco the Raccoon, the Elmhurst Park District’s official recycling mascot. 

“I step in the stuff practically every night when I’m out foraging,” Eco says. “I’m just plodding along and all of a sudden—splat!”

In a continuing effort to implement sustainable practices and assuage Eco, the Elmhurst Park District is partnering with Poo Free Parks™ to deliver an eco-friendly dog waste program to Elmhurst’s parks. 

The eco-friendly program includes the installation, supply and upkeep of waste bag dispensers made from 100 percent recyclable aluminum. The dog waste dispensers are maintained by crews driving hybrid vehicles, and are filled with 100 percent biodegradable bags, designed to naturally deteriorate within 18 months. The service is funded through cause-marketing efforts by like-minded businesses and organizations at no cost to taxpayers.

Currently the district has 12 pet waste dispensers at eight parks. Through the Poo Free Parks™ partnership, the district will gain 29 additional pet waste dispensers in 19 parks, and will save more than $9,000 of staff time, vehicle expenses and waste bags.  Park-goers can expect to see the dispensers in the parks at the end of April.

“The program fits the district’s ongoing mission to protect and improve the natural environment,” said Executive Director Rich Grodsky.  “It will help keep our parks clean and provide an added convenience for park users and their pets, while providing a cost savings to the district and creating additional jobs in the community.”

Poo Free Parks™ is a Denver-based, privately-held company.  The company is dedicated to keeping parks and waterways clean and beautiful in an environmentally, fiscally and socially responsible manner, providing employment opportunities to disadvantaged members of the community and bringing value and recognition to sponsorship partners.