Don’t let your neighborhood go to the dogs.

While many people love dogs, nobody loves the sight or smell of what they leave behind. Of greater concern than the aesthetic problem is the pollution pet waste can cause when it gets to local waterways.

“Dog poop is kind of nasty to look at and step on,” said David Keeling, an environmental specialist with the Suffolk Public Works Department.

But also, he noted, dog waste carries bacteria, disease and nutrients that should not be in local waterways.

“If too much bacteria gets in the water, it’s not safe to swim in,” he said, also noting that waterways can be closed to shellfish harvesting — like many portions of the Nansemond River are currently — if bacteria levels are too high.

To help combat the problem, AskHRGreen.org has received a grant to offer free waste stations to neighborhoods. Suffolk has placed or will soon place about 16 stations, Keeling said. The first one was set up about two years ago.

“We ordered more this year, because they were very popular last year,” said Alacia Nixson, an environmental technician with the Suffolk Public Works Department. “It’s helping the neighborhoods, and it’s also helping us.”

Neighborhoods, homeowners’ associations and other groups can apply for the stations. They must have a piece of community property where they can put the station and commit to keeping waste bags stocked and the trash can emptied.

Two of the stations are located on the Seaboard Coastline Trail. One is near the Driver entrance, and a second one will be located near the center of the trail. Doing so will prevent the overuse of any one station.

“The overuse of a pet waste station creates a problem of its own,” Keeling said. “Instead of being a benefit, it could become an eyesore and concentrate pollution sources.”

Keeling said the waste stations are convenient for everyone and help encourage pet owners to “scoop the poop” if they do not already do so.

“It helps change people’s behavior by making it easy,” he said. “It’s great if they recognize the benefits to our waterways. If they have no idea and still pick up after their pets, that’s cool too.”

The city has a limited number of stations available. For more information or to apply, visit askhrgreen.org/pet-waste-station-grant.