ADVERTISEMENT
Q&A with the Experts - Pet Pick-Ups08-14-25 | Feature

Q&A with the Experts - Pet Pick-Ups

A Conversation with Jill Wiltse, Senior Design Consultant

Pet Pick-Ups has been around since 1993. What was the original vision behind the company?

It really started with a simple idea: help dog owners clean up after their pets in a way that was easy, affordable, and effective. Two entrepreneurial women launched the company after seeing the growing problem of pet waste in public spaces. With the backing of a few local parks and rec departments, we introduced our first dark green waste bags-and that was the beginning.

Where are your products used today, and what kind of impact have you seen?

img
 

We're proud to say our systems are in place across the country-from small neighborhoods to large city parks. Municipalities and HOAs that install our dispensers often see a noticeable drop in complaints and a real shift in pet owner behavior. It becomes part of the culture-cleaning up is expected and easy.

Pet Pick-Ups offers several different bag options. Can you walk us through what sets them apart?

Absolutely. We offer three formulations to meet different needs: a reprocessed industrial plastic blend, a limestone-enhanced polyethylene option, and our compostable bag made from corn and potato starches. That last one meets ASTM D6400 standards for compostability, though we always recommend checking for local commercial composting facilities, since availability can vary.

How does Pet Pick-Ups give back beyond just providing products?

We're proud members of the Co-op America Business Network, which holds companies to high standards when it comes to social and environmental responsibility. We also support animal welfare groups that provide food, shelter, and care for animals in need. Giving back is just part of who we are-it's been that way since day one.

Why should landscape architects consider including Pet Pick-Ups systems in their site plans?

Our products strike a balance between function, durability, and aesthetics-which is exactly what landscape architects are looking for. Whether it's our Nature Dog or Modern Dog system, they're designed to blend into a variety of environments without compromising visual appeal. Plus, when these systems are thoughtfully integrated into parks, trails, and public spaces, they help support cleaner landscapes and more responsible pet ownership-something communities really appreciate.

As seen in LASN magazine, July 2025.

img