Compacted waste from herbivores at the Dallas Zoo is shown in Stage 1 at Silver Creek Materials on Monday, Feb. 7, 2022, in Fort Worth. The Dallas Zoo is partnering with Silver Creek to create compost from the waste called Zoo Poo.The Dallas Zoo and a Fort Worth company have partnered to create a product that’s nothing to sniff at: Zoo Poo.
“For several years, it’s been on our mind of how we can repurpose millions of pounds of animal waste every year,” he said. The Dallas Zoo initiated the partnership several years ago when the zoo’s environmental manager heard a witty radio advertisement from Silver Creek about earthworm compost. It has sent more than 1.2 million pounds of animal waste to the composting facility over the last two years, Lutz said.
The Dallas Zoo, Silver Creek and several specialty landscaping shops across Dallas-Fort Worth will start selling the compost in late February. All locations will sell 1-cubic-feet bags, while Silver Creek Materials will also sell in bulk and the Dallas Zoo gift shop will have 4-quart containers. Prices are still to be determined, Lutz said.
While improved air quality is one of the most significant impacts, Lutz said the product also returns benefits to the earth.