Council’s ranger team leader Kurt Livens said Cessnock City Council is trialling the eco-friendly bags and is offering a free roll to residents when they register their dog.

Mr Livens said the trial was about increasing community awareness about environmentally-friendly pet care products. 

“Scooping poop is just one of many everyday responsibilities you take on when being a pet owner,” Mr Livens said.

“We have been working hard to get this message across to the community and are really pleased so many members of the community are doing the right thing.

“Now we are letting residents know there are ways they can keep the community clean and help the environment.

“We understand some pet owners don’t like using single-use plastic bags to clean up after their pet because of environmental concerns.

“There are other options available and biodegradable products are becoming increasingly easier to find but it is important to do some research to find the most suitable product for you.”

Mr Livens encouraged residents to consider these alternative bags due to the impact single-use plastic bags pose to our local environment.

On-the-spot fines apply to pet owners for a dog found defecating in a public place, and the owner fails to clean up after the animal.