Advice on Waste Management 

Waste Management in the marine environment is strictly regulated in the UK.

UK legislation has generally been transposed from International Directives established by the international maritime community at IMO.  In this part of the website you can find information on and links to relevant sites regarding sewage and waste management whilst boating.

Sewage

With more and more of us taking to the water each year it is important we all know how to deal with our waste in a responsible manner.  It is no longer acceptable to pump it all out whenever and wherever it suits and it is our responsibility to consider the effects that may have on the surrounding environment.

Black water (raw sewage) discharges are likely to become less common as, since 2006, the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) has required all new vessels to have provision for a holding tank to be fitted. In the majority of cases, the waste water from onboard sinks and showers (known as grey water discharges) empties directly into the water.

Levels of sewage input from recreational craft are thought to be small compared to direct inputs from sewage treatment works but the effects are serious and can potentially affect water quality in a number of ways.  Raw sewage poses as a serious health risk to humans, adversely affects shellfish and reduces oxygen levels in the water where as grey water discharge leads to nutrient enrichment and algal blooms.  As a result, it is our responsibility as recreational boaters to be aware of the rules regulating the disposal of garbage and sewage.

To find out more visit the Green Blue website where there is more information on this topic and practical tips and advice you can follow to reduce your impact on the environment whilst boating.

Downloadable pump-out directory

In order to assist and encourage recreational boaters in locating and using pump-out facilities within the UK, the Green Blue has produced a series of maps covering both inland and coastal areas. These are divided into regions and give both the location and contact details for each provider.  Regional maps and further advice and information on this issue can be found on the Green Blue website in the ‘Pump Out Guide’ section.

Waste

Whilst onboard it is easy to accumulate a fair amount of garbage and unlike at home where you have your wheelie bin just outside there is very little space to store it.  Sadly, the quantity of litter found in our ocean, seas and along our coasts is rising and this has a serious impact on the environment and wildlife.  Contrary to popular belief, marine litter does not provide a suitable habitat/ artificial reef for marine organisms. It has been reported that some types of litter can persist in the marine environment for periods up to 500 years.

Garbage means all food, domestic and operational wastes produced on board (except sewage). This includes food wastes, paper products, rags, glass, metal, bottles, crockery and similar refuse from all vessels.

The basic principles are:

• put no garbage into the sea 
• retain garbage on board and dispose of it ashore

The UK has strict rules on dumping garbage at sea with substantial penalties for offenders (see Briefing note 06/02: Prevention of Pollution from garbage).  Food wastes may only be disposed of at sea if they have been pulverised and you are at least 3 miles off shore (12 miles in the North Sea or English Channel).  There are rules for ports and terminal operators to provide adequate disposal facilities ashore.

For further information on this topic vissit the Green Blue website.