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Best Eco-Friendly Cat Litter Box (2024): Nature-Inspired Sustainability

Posted in: Cat Litter - Last Updated: January 8, 2024 - Author: Rebekah Carter
Posted in Cat Litter 
Last Updated: October 18, 2023  
Author:  Rebekah Carter

Are you a bit of an eco warrier? Or is it that you just want to take care of this beautiful planet we call home? I am very much the latter!

I'm certainly not full on eco-friendly (yep, I know I should be) BUT i do know that there is a lot of waste out there when it comes kitty toilet routines. We have five furballs to look after so we know this all too well.

So I try and do my best to sensibly dispose of and limit my waste poop-print!

And the weird thing is, a lot of people don't even know about eco-friendly cat litter boxes and I suppose you can even call a few of them 'throw away' cat toilets as they only last a set period of time before you need to switch them out and use a fresh one.

So, to bring everyone right up to speed with the best eco-friendly litter box picks we rolled out a group test on our five moggies we have living with us. Yes, we have plenty of fuzzy bottoms to run around after! 

We compared, tested and evaluated some of the best eco-friendly cat litter box options for pet parents.

After all, while a cat litter box is a necessary purchase for many feline families, some products aren’t necessarily the most sustainable, or environmentally friendly. 

Here's what we found out.

best eco friendly cat litter box

First off, it is very apparent that many, if not MOST, forms of plastic litter boxes are produced using a significant amount of energy, and chemicals, and can create a number of dangerous waste products. 

Additionally, when these items break or need to be replaced over time, they can end up sitting in landfills for decades.

If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, without compromising on kitty care, an eco-friendly tray or box can be a great option.

With a little help from our own furry friends, we’ve examined some of the most popular eco-conscious litter boxes and trays on the market today. Specifically, we’ve looked at the durability, resilience, and performance of each tray or box as well as their impact on the environment. 

Let’s dive into the world of urine, cat feces, and poop eco-friendly litter box picks!

Best Eo-Friendly Cat Litter Box

Best Overall

Petmate Booda Clean Step Cat Litter Box Dome (Made in the USA with 95% Recycled Materials)- Brushed Nickel, Made in USA

Petmate Booda Clean Step Cat Litter Box Dome

Best Eco-Friendly Cat Litter Box

Best Overall Choice

Petmate Booda Clean Step Cat Litter Box Dome (Made in the USA with 95% Recycled Materials)- Brushed Nickel, Made in USA

Petmate Booda Clean Step Cat Litter Box Dome

Best Overall Eco-Friendly Cat Litter Box

The Petmate Booda Clean Step Cat Litter Box Dome is a total marvel in feline hygiene, embodying the perfect blend of functionality and eco-friendly cat litter box design. 

Crafted with convenience in mind, it features a spacious interior, making it super suitable for cats of various sizes and ensuring easy cleanup. 

Its smart and sleek appearance complements home décor, making it not just a practical choice for pet parents but also a pretty visually appealing one.

3 Top Eco-Friendly Cat Litter Box Picks – Best, Value & Premium

The good news for environmentally conscious cat owners is that, just like sustainable cat litter and natural cat litter products, eco-friendly boxes are becoming a lot more common. 

Many manufacturers are now using recyclable materials and specialist technology to reduce their impact on the planet.

We’ve narrowed our favorite options from the market today into three top picks: focused on overall performance, a premium investment, and a budget choice.

Our Top 3 Choices

Best Overall

Petmate Booda Clean Step Cat Litter Box Dome (Made in the USA with 95% Recycled Materials)- Brushed Nickel, Made in USA

Petmate Booda Clean Step Cat Litter Box Dome

  • Odor control with charcoal filter
  • Larger sizing than most litter trays
  • Minimizes litter scatter and mess

Best Value

Eco Friendly Disposable Litter Box 5 Count (Suitable for Cat, Hamster, Guinea Pig, Mice, Rabbit) Cat Litter Tray Sifting Litter Box Cat Litter Liners (1 Extra Litter Box Based on Availability)

Eco-Friendly Disposable Litter Box

  • Highly convenient and timesaving
  • Larger sizing than most litter trays
  • Serves as a litter box liner too

Premium Choice

PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Plus Front-Entry Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box - Never Scoop Litter Again Hands-Free Cleanup With Disposable Crystal Tray - Less Tracking, Better Odor Control, Grey , 1 Count

PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box

  • Super absorbent crystal litter
  • Removes waste automatically
  • Eco-friendly, disposable litter trays

That's a brief look at our top 3 recommendations. Let's take a look at those in a little more detail and a few other alternatives that maty suit your budget.

1. Petmate Booda Clean Step Cat Litter Box Dome - Best Overall

Petmate Booda Clean Step Cat Litter Box Dome (Made in the USA with 95% Recycled Materials)- Brushed Nickel, Made in USA

The Petmate Booda Clean Step box is a fantastic choice for pet owners.

The handy design helps to minimize litter scatter and spray while giving your kitty a little privacy during their bathroom breaks. It also assists with minimizing odor, thanks to an included charcoal filter, which can be replaced. 

This eco-friendly box is made with 95% recycled materials, reducing the amount of energy and production involved in creating each product. 

It’s also durable enough to stand the test of time, so you don’t have to worry about constantly replacing your litter tray. As an added bonus, it’s also 50% larger than the average cat box, so your kitty has plenty of room to move around.

Pros

  • Odor control with charcoal filter
  • Larger sizing than most litter trays
  • Minimizes litter scatter and mess
  • Suitable with all types of litter
  • Made with 95% recycled materials

Cons

  • The product can be quite bulky
  • May be a little difficult to clean

2. Eco-Friendly Disposable Litter Box - Best Value

Eco Friendly Disposable Litter Box 5 Count (Suitable for Cat, Hamster, Guinea Pig, Mice, Rabbit) Cat Litter Tray Sifting Litter Box Cat Litter Liners (1 Extra Litter Box Based on Availability)

Ideal for budget-conscious cat owners, these disposable kitty litter boxes minimize the work of cleaning up after your furry friend.

You don’t need to wash or clean any litter boxes, simply throw the full tray away when you’re done using it. 

Unlike other disposable box, these products are made with highly sustainable plant-based materials, which are even compostable!

Delivered in a pack of 5, each collection of litter box is enough to last the standard cat owner around a month. 

Plus, the items are made with durable materials, to minimize the risk of tearing, shredding or leaking. As an added bonus, the products are lightweight, so they’re easy to transport too. 

Pros

  • Highly convenient and timesaving
  • Eco-friendly and compostable materials
  • Serves as a litter box liner too
  • Budget-friendly
  • Durable design to minimize leakage

Cons

  • May be too small for some cats
  • Will stain quite easily

3. PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box - Premium Choice

PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Plus Front-Entry Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box - Never Scoop Litter Again Hands-Free Cleanup With Disposable Crystal Tray - Less Tracking, Better Odor Control, Grey , 1 Count

If you’re willing to spend a little extra on the ultimate cat litter box for your feline friend, the PetSafe ScoopFree product might be the perfect solution. This intelligent tray will scoop and remove waste clumps automatically, ensuring you can spend less time cleaning up after your kitty. 

Plus, it uses crystal litter, which offers excellent absorbency and odor control, is generally dust-free dust, and limits paw tracking.

The system uses disposable trays with a plastic lining, to minimize leakage. You can simply throw the litter away when you’re done, and it won’t cause any damage to the environment. This litter tray even comes with a detachable hood, which can be ideal for kitties who want a little extra privacy when using the bathroom.

Pros

  • Super absorbent crystal litter
  • Removes waste automatically
  • Eco-friendly, disposable litter trays
  • Leak protection and minimal mess
  • Detachable hood included

Cons

  • The replacement litter can be quite expensive
  • The system can be difficult to clean

The Best Eco-Friendly Cat Litter Box: Alternatives

We chose the eco-friendly litter boxes above to appeal to a wide range of pet owners. However, if you need something a little different, don’t worry.

There are still plenty of other great options on Amazon and other platforms you can choose from. Here are some of our other favorites. 

4. TWLEAD Disposable Cat Litter Box

Twlead Disposable Cat Litter Box (5 Pack Of Trays) Eco Friendly 100% Recycled Paper Cat Tray,16.14 X11.81X3.94 Inch (Brown)

Made 100% with recycled materials, the TWLEAD disposable cat litter boxes are some of the most sustainable products on the market. 

They’re made with wood pulp, which can easily degrade and break down, leaving no waste behind in landfills. What’s more, the wood pulp helps to eliminate odors, and can even serve as a liner for an existing tray.

These convenient litter boxes are easy to use, with minimal effort. There’s no need to scrub or deep clean anything, just throw the full tray away when you’re done with it. The products can even be used with any kind of litter.

Pros

  • Simple and effective performance
  • Made with 100% recycled materials
  • Easily breaks down leaving no waste
  • Convenient and simple to use
  • Multi-functional for different use cases

Cons

  • May be too small for larger cats
  • They can break down quite quickly

5. Kitty Sift (6-Pack) Disposable Cat Litter Box

Kitty Sift (6-Pack) Disposable Cat Litter Box, Sustainable, Clean - Large, 6-Pack

Another excellent option for pet parents considering disposable litter boxes, the Kitty Sift litter trays come in a value pack of 6, and there are multiple sizes to choose from. Quick and convenient, these trays require no deep cleaning between uses, as you can simply through them away. 

What’s more, they’re made entirely with recycled materials, with no plastic. 

Versatile and convenient, the Kitty Sift litter trays can be used as a standalone product or a liner. 

They also help to minimize the build-up of odor and ammonia in your household. The economical design even helps to keep litter cleaner and dryer for longer.

Pros

  • Value pack of 6 trays
  • Multi-functional, and suitable for use as a liner
  • Quick and easy to use
  • Made entirely with recycled material
  • Biodegradable

Cons

  • Can soak up a lot of waste
  • They may not last very long

6. Emerging Green - Disposable Litter Box

Emerging Green - Disposable Litter Box, Earth-Friendly Litter Pan, Mobile Rabbit and Cat Litter Tray, Cat Travel Must-Have with 1 Reusable Plastic Cover, Set of 5 Litter Boxes, 16.5 x 12.5 x 2 inches

Another excellent option from the Emerging Green company, these disposable litter boxes are lightweight, travel friendly, and come in a value set of 5.

Like all disposable litter boxes, these products reduce the need to clean hefty litter trays and pans on a regular basis. They’re great for reducing odor control, as you can simply throw them away when they start to smell. 

Made with eco-friendly, sustainable materials, these durable litter trays are sturdy enough to withstand cat claws and excess moisture.

They also have 2-inch sides to reduce litter scatter. Each box is made from agricultural plant material, which can biodegrade. 

Pros

  • Eco-friendly and biodegradable
  • Pack of 5 for great value
  • Great for keeping homes clean and tidy
  • Suitable for use as a litter tray liner
  • Portable and lightweight

Cons

  • The material can be a little thin
  • May be too small for some cats
eco-friendly cat litter box

Eco-Friendly Cat Litter Box Buyers Guide

Every cat owner needs a litter box. It’s one of the first products you’ll buy when you bring your furry friend home, and it’s crucial to keeping your property clean. However, not all litter boxes are particularly beneficial for the environment. 

Choosing an eco-friendlier carbon filter solution could be a good way to reduce your carbon footprint, and protect the earth. 

While there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy to choosing the perfect litter tray, there are a few factors you can keep in mind when you’re making your decision, such as:

  • The type of litter tray: What kind of litter box does your cat prefer? While the open litter pan is a common option, many kitties prefer hooded trays for more privacy. Hooded and high-sided litter trays can also offer additional benefits, such as protection against odor, litter scatter, and excess spray. They might be the perfect choice for keeping your home tidy. You may also want to consider whether you want a durable, long-lasting tray, or a disposable alternative. Disposable alternatives can be more convenient if you hate scrubbing boxes.
  • Size: Choosing the right size of litter tray is crucial. The first thing you’ll need to think about is the size of your kitty, as they should be able to move around freely in the litter tray without causing too much of a mess. It’s also worth thinking about how much space you have available for your litter tray. Where possible, it’s best to look for solutions with higher sides, so you can minimize the amount of litter that gets kicked outside of the pan.
  • Material: Many litter boxes are made with plastic. However, not all plastic is as environmentally problematic as it seems. Some products are made with recycled components, which make them a lot more earth-friendly. Plus, a more durablelitter tray can last for a lot longer, so you don’t have to worry about replacing and throwing your litter tray away too often. Alternatively, you could consider a disposable tray made of entirely recycled products, like paper and wood pulp. These products are convenient and lightweight, but may not last as long as plastic alternatives. 
  • Usability: A litter box shouldn’t just be easy for your kitty to use; it should be convenient for you too. Think about how easy it’s going to be to fill the litter tray, scoop litter, and even clean out the entire product. If you’re choosing a disposable litter tray, it might be a lot easier to clean up after your cat by simply throwing the whole thing away at once. However, you should ensure the item is durable enough to withstand being moved. 
  • Price: Budget will always be a concern when choosing any product for your kitty. The cost of your litter tray can vary drastically depending on its features. Intelligent self-cleaning trays are often a lot more expensive, but they can save you time, and last a lot longer than alternatives. Disposable litter trays can be cheaper, but they don’t last as long, so you’ll need to stock up pretty regularly. 
eco-friendly cat box

FAQs

What makes a litter box eco-friendly?

There are various factors that can make a litter box or tray more environmentally friendly. Some are designed to last longer, so you don’t need to throw away excess plastic. Others are made from recycled materials, or are designed to be biodegradable, so they don’t take up space in landfills. 

Are disposable litter boxes recyclable?

Some disposable litter boxes will be recyclable, not this isn’t the case with all of them. Most are intended to simply biodegrade, so they don’t take up space in a landfill. Generally, you should be able to check whether your box is recyclable by looking at the packaging. 

Are self-cleaning litter boxes eco-friendly?

Self-cleaning litter boxes can be more eco-friendly than other options for a number of reasons. They can make litter last longer, so you don’t produce as much waste. They can also be made with recycled materials, which makes them more earth-friendly. 

How do you dispose of cat waste litter without plastic?

A good way to dispose of cat litter (including clumping litter, clay litter, paper cat litter, fresh cat litter, etc.) without using plastic (like trash bin bags), is to use a disposable litter tray liner in your boxes. This will allow you to throw the full litter tray away without having to bag anything up. You can also use biodegradable trash bags.

Best Eco-Friendly Cat Litter Box: The Verdict

An eco-friendly litter tray can be an excellent investment for an earth-conscious cat lover. The right product will allow you to care for your cat, without having a negative impact on the planet.

Plus, there are even options that can save you time too. Another good option would be to look into using a stainless steel litter box. 

However, our favorite pick from all of the options above is the Petmate Booda Clean Step litter box

This domed tray is great for minimizing odors and scatter and comes with a built-in charcoal filter. It’s easy for cats to use, and it’s made with 95% recycled materials, so you don’t have to worry about damaging the environment. 

Plus, it’s durable enough to last for years! 

About the author

Rebekah Carter is a dedicated animal lover. Her Savannah cat, Roscoe, has a lot of attitude, while her Maine Coon, Dukino, is full of love. When not writing, she’s looking after her cats and researching ways to help them live their best possible life. Her passion for animals and natural skill for writing led her to pursue pet blogging.

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