Company Profile: The Flushable Bag
by Bob Peeples, PE
Published on June 2nd, 2008
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The “Company Profile” is an Earth911.com series highlighting consumer goods and services making a difference through product stewardship and recycling. Products and services featured do not pay for placement and are not endorsed by Earth911.com.
The Flushable Bag is a pet waste disposal solution that is water soluble and readily biodegradable. It was designed to contain the waste while walking your dog and to be disposed of by simply flushing down a toilet. To learn more about this product we spoke with Robert Howell, developer, founder and owner of Howell KDS L.L.C.
Product Overview
There is no complicated chemistry or required conditions for degradation as with paper or starch-based disposal products. The Flushable Bag works with both sewers and septic systems. Research, development and testing eventually led to the formation of Howell KDS L.L.C. in June of 2000. It’s a simple system where instead of throwing away your bag with dog waste in it, you can now flush it down the toilet.
Environmental Benefits
The Flushable Bag endeavors to benefit our environment in different ways:
- Less disposal in landfills conserves capacity for other waste
- Pet waste is almost completely recyclable, and the plastic bag is safe for your toilet
- It is a cost-effective and environmentally appropriate solution to clean up after you pet responsibly
- Dog waste is about 75 percent water, and flushing it will send that water to a plant for recycling
- The remaining 25 percent is useful for producing methane energy and then application on non-food crops (non-food only, because it is commingled with human waste)
Eco-Evolution of Company
“For the first two to three years we were in business most people thought that the company was either selling snake oil or just deluded,” says Howell. “In the last 2 years people are paying attention and biodegradable products are gaining focus for pet care. This year has been the high point so far with mentions on Good Morning America and in Prevention Magazine.”
Most Exciting Part of Howell KDS
“The best part of this job is that it involves working with your best friend, in this case a 75 pound Labrador named Molly,” says Howell. “The second would be trying to explain how the bags work and that they will work. People are afraid of a clogged toilet, even though it designed for a much larger animal. Also, convincing them that it won’t fall apart and that the bag will get there intact is sometimes a challenge.”
Future Plans
The company will continue to work with marketers to broaden distribution and include some national chains. It will also try to educate the public about recycling and the importance of flushing pet waste.
“The ultimate goal is to have everyone using the product,” says Howell. “But that will require some outreach and education on the importance of picking up after your pets.”
Favorite of the Three R’s
“Reduce. I have long maintained that we have been leading a lifestyle that is neither ecologically or economically sustainable. We need to use less of almost everything.”
