As cat owners, we are aware of how much waste our cats can produce. And yes, we are talking about the cat litter box.
From bin liners to disposing of the waste itself – a lot of that process can be non-environmentally friendly and impractical in the long run.
While we can’t exactly have a completely zero-waste cat litter box, there are things we can do to minimize the waste that comes with it.
So let’s check it out!
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Types of Zero Waste Cat Litter Boxes Out There
Before we talk about kitty litter, let’s discuss the actual box itself.
By now, you’re probably aware that plastic is a no-no when it comes to living a sustainable and zero-waste lifestyle.
And while it’s understandable that some forms of plastic are challenging to get rid of altogether – there are some more sustainable litter boxes out there.
iPrimio Ultimate Cat Litter Box – Best Stainless Steel Alternative
The stainless steel cat litter box option is a pretty good one for various reasons.
For one, you won’t have to worry about it getting rusty, and it will last you for ages! On top of that, it’s naturally odorless, and the ergonomic design comes with no sharp edges.
The cat litter box is also much easier to clean, which is always a bonus.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Way Basics – Eco Cat Litter Box
This eco-friendly cat litter box is created from a sustainable zBoard that is entirely free of toxins or harmful chemicals.
Plus, it looks really cool too!
The litter box is easy to put together, and it’s very durable as it can handle up to a load of 30lbs.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Good Pet Stuff – Best Hidden Litter Box
How about a cat litter box that looks like a plant?
The Good Pet Stuff litter box resembles a real-life clay pot – ideal for multi-cat homes.
Additionally, it comes with an inbuilt filtered vented system that helps to prevent odor and dust.
It’s created out of polypropylene, which is the most environmentally friendly and recyclable plastic out there, not to mention durable and long-lasting.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Top Eco-Friendly Cat Litter Brands Out There
Petfive Sustainably Yours – 100% Sustainable Cat Litter
The Pefive sustainable cat litter is made from cassava and corn – two very natural and eco-friendly plant products, not to mention biodegradable and compostable.
Best of all?
It’s odor-free! The natural kitty litter instantly neutralizes bad smells without using any toxic chemicals or fragrances.
Lastly, this cat litter is also lighter in color, making it easier for you to see any changes in your furry friend’s urine or anything else you want to keep an eye on.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Happy Cat Hemp Kitty Litter – Best Biodegradable Alternative
The No products found. is grown and made from natural hemp right in the US.
It’s also 100% biodegradable and free from any toxins, pesticides, and chemicals. Plus, it’s easy to scoop as well. With your purchase, you’ll also get a big 4lb that should last you just as long as a 20lb bag of ordinary clay litter.
ÖKOCAT – Best Biodegradable Wood Clumping Litter
The wood clumping litter is excellent for controlling odors while also being ultra-absorbent!
The plant-based and sustainable cat litter absorbs the liquid and forms solid, easy to scoop clumps that’ll make your cleanup so much faster and simpler.
Plus, the kitty litter is almost entirely dust-free and free from any artificial fragrances, chemicals, and GMOs.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Naturally Fresh Cat Litter – Best Walnut Cat Litter
The 26-pound bag of Naturally Fresh cat litter is bound to last you for a while!
It’s 100% natural and eco-friendly, plus the litter has superior odor control – which is very important, especially for multicat households.
The natural walnut shell litter is made in the US and is very absorbent – meaning you’ll actually be saving money in the long run.
To top it off, the litter is free from toxins, silica dust, and its mess-free formula will make it a breeze to use.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
PURINA Yesterday’s News – Best Paper-Based Recycled Cat Litter
Purina’s paper cat litter is another great sustainable option to consider. Most cat litter is created from post-consumer waste derived from newspapers, thus a great form of recycling!
The litter itself arrives in a recyclable box – which we love, and it also helps that this particular litter is the #1 vet-recommended brand.
Moreover, the soft paper pellets can withhold 3x more moisture than commercial clay litter, and it’s virtually odor-free as well.
Lastly, the paper-based kitty litter is suitable for both full-grown cats and kittens, as well.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
PURINA Tidy Cats Pure Nature – Most Fresh-Smelling Cat Litter
Last but not least, we have the PURINA Pure cat litter.
It’s 99% dust-free, natural, and provides a 10-day odor control! The litter is made out of natural cedar pine and corn and is entirely biodegradable and dust-free.
Plus, the brand’s strong clumping action will ensure a quicker and faster clean – which is a huge plus in our book.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How To Throw Away Used Cat Litter, Naturally?
Now you may be thinking, how do I get rid of the cat litter more sustainably?
Well, the best alternative to bin liners and such is by either burying or composting the waste. However, there are still some things to keep in mind.
For example, don’t bury the cat litter near any water source as the pathogens and bacteria can contaminate the water. The same goes for burning the waste tool close to a vegetable garden or any other type of food source.
Composting also works, especially if the contents are sent off to a composting plant.
Another alternative is to throw the cat litter away using a biodegradable trash bag if you aren’t composting at the moment and don’t have a garden where you can bury it.
What did you think of our alternatives to eco-friendly cat litter and litter boxes? Do you have tips or ideas to share with us? Let us know in the comments below, and thanks for reading!
For more zero-waste and eco-friendly pet care ideas, why not check out the best zero-waste pet shampoos?
Anna Miller is a content manager at TrashBackwards. She’s passionate about living a zero-waste lifestyle. Anna has been writing about eco-friendly tips for years now, and she’s got some great ideas on how you can go plastic-free! She loves sharing her knowledge about eco-lifestyle with others. Her articles are always witty and insightful! Shoot her a message if you’ve got any questions about how you can start going green.
