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.
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 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
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
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
Cons
2. Eco-Friendly Disposable Litter Box - Best Value
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
Cons
3. PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box - Premium Choice
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
Cons
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
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
Cons
5. Kitty Sift (6-Pack) Disposable Cat Litter Box
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
Cons
6. Emerging Green - Disposable Litter Box
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
Cons
Read this next: Best Eco-Friendly Cat Litter: Top Sustainable Choices
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:
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!