Local Company Launches Aspen-Based Kitty Litter from Sawmill Waste

Mesa Verde Pellets, a subsidiary of Aspen Wall Wood and Aspen Wood Products, rolled out Catkins on January 6, 2026, a new kitty litter manufactured from aspen wood waste sourced from nearby sawmills. The product uses existing sawdust and wood fiber byproducts rather than requiring fresh timber, and company leaders emphasized local ownership and job support as central to the launch.

Catkins is sold in 10- and 20-pound bags and ships with a specially designed scooper. The pellets are made from aspen, which the company notes is phenol-free—unlike some softwoods such as pine—making the litter less dusty and presenting fewer respiratory concerns for animals and people handling it. The material is biodegradable and compostable, positioning it as an alternative to traditional clay-based litters that contribute to landfill volume.

Mesa Verde Pellets already produces several other wood-derived products from the same waste stream, including heating pellets, barbecue smoking pellets, oil-absorption pellets and animal bedding. Repurposing sawmill byproduct into multiple commercial lines reflects a growing local trend toward circular-economy manufacturing, capturing value from residues that previously required disposal.

For San Juan County residents, the immediate impact is twofold: an additional locally produced product to buy at regional pet stores and potential environmental benefits from substituting clay litter with a compostable option. Local retailers carrying Catkins provide a new sales outlet for regionally made goods and could create more steady demand for sawmill byproduct, helping stabilize small timber- and wood-processing businesses that supply the material.

From a market perspective, Catkins targets eco-conscious pet owners and households looking to reduce dust and chemical exposure associated with some litters. The company has placed the product in several regional pet stores and has signaled plans to expand distribution, which could mean wider retail availability and larger orders for local sawmills if growth meets expectations.

Longer term, Mesa Verde Pellets’ approach illustrates how small, vertically integrated producers can diversify rural economies by turning low-value byproducts into higher-margin consumer goods. For local policymakers and waste managers, the product also raises practical questions about home composting compatibility, municipal compost program acceptance and potential for reducing organic waste to landfill. Residents should watch for updates on distribution expansion and any guidance from the company or local authorities on composting Catkins at home or through community programs.