Garbage Disposal
Under MARPOL Annex V, the discharge of ALL garbage into the sea is prohibited, with very limited exceptions. Plastics must NEVER be discharged at sea. Food waste may only be discharged more than 12 nautical miles offshore, and only if ground to pieces smaller than 25mm.
In practice, the simplest approach for recreational sailors is to bring all waste back to shore. Separate recyclables and dispose of everything properly at marina waste facilities.
Key Points
- Plastics — NEVER discharge at sea
- Food waste — only >12nm offshore, ground to <25mm
- Best practice — bring ALL waste back to shore
- Use marina recycling and waste facilities
Tip: Carry spare bin bags and a dedicated waste container. It takes almost no effort to bring rubbish ashore, and it makes an enormous difference.