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Protect, Collect and Dispose

Responsible use of Antifoul Paints to Reduce Water Pollution

To support the boating community the British Coatings Federation (BCF), The Green Blue (Royal Yachting Association), British Marine and The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA) launched the ‘Protect, Collect & Dispose’ initiative and campaign in 2019 focusing on raising awareness of and providing environmental best practice when antifouling, building on the successful, award-winning DIY Safe Antifouling programme previously launched in 2017. 

During Protect Collect Dispose Campaign Week we are encouraging the boating community to get involved and support through raising awareness is the safe and environmentally sustainable use of antifoul paints. Look out for Protect Collect Dispose Week articles and posts to find out more and see how you can support the campaign below. 

Whilst antifoul paint, containing biocides such as copper and zinc, do a great job of keeping our hulls clean, and even have some environmental benefits such as improving fuel efficiency due to less drag from fouling and preventing the attachment and spread of invasive non-native species, they are toxic to aquatic life. Therefore, as a boating community we must ensure we make more sustainable choices when it comes to selecting an antifoul coating and adopt environmental best practice when applying, removing and disposing of antifoul to minimise pollution.

How to support our campaign

When applying and removing antifoul paint there are simple steps we can all take to:

Protect the ground under our boats – use a tarpaulin and trip trays

Collect any drips, spills and debris using tarpaulin and vacuum sander

Dispose of all contaminated items and paint legally into hazardous waste bins at your local recycling centre, marina or harbour facilities

  1. Find out more about antifoul coating options and environmental best practice you should follow. 
  2. Request our PCD Poster and PCD Leaflet. 
  3. Support our annual ‘Protect, Collect & Dispose’ campaign week by: 
    • Requesting a PCD Campaign Toolkit by emailing us at info@thegreenblue.org.uk  
    • Share our social media posts throughout the campaign week with fellow boaters, members and customers
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