P.U.P. Program (Pick Up After Your Pet)

The Dirty Facts

Pet waste is full of bacteria, parasites, and other harmful organisms that can negatively impact the health of humans and also our pets. When it rains, improperly disposed of pet waste makes its way down stormdrains, and out into Charleston’s surrounding water bodies, causing all sorts of harm. It can lead to increased algal growth, decreased oxygen content in the water, and can even cause fish kills when it reaches our waterways.

Please make sure you are doing your part to clean up behind your four-legged friend, including when it’s in your own backyard.

person picking up dog waste

Dispenser Locations Opens in new window

Sponsor A Dog Bag Dispenser In Our Local Parks

Our P.U.P Program relies on sponsorships to help augment our program costs. Keep Charleston Beautiful and the City Parks Department provide over 115 bag dispensers for public use. Each year, the public uses over  which equals about 450,000 bags being used and 112 tons of pet waste being picked up.

You can help support this program by sponsoring an existing bag dispenser for a yearly rate of $200. The sponsorship year runs from October 1st to September 30th, although we allow sponsors to join at quarterly points throughout the year for a pro-rated cost. 

cliff roberts hashbrown

sponsorship

It's The Law:

The City of Charleston's Environmental Control Ordinance, Sec.14-2(f) states: "It shall be unlawful for any owner, keeper or walker of any dog or cat to permit his or her dog or cat to discharge its excreta . . . unless such owner, keeper or walker immediately thereafter removes said animal's excreta from the public or private property in question." 

If you observe a violation of this ordinance, please call 843-577-7434 and inform Animal Control.