2.4 Collection

  2.4.1 Procedures for collecting garbage generated on board should be based on the consideration of what is permitted and what is not permitted to be discharged into the sea while en route, and whether a particular garbage type can be discharged to port facilities for recycling or reuse. The details of these procedures should be written in the garbage management plan.

  2.4.2 To reduce or avoid the need for sorting after collection and to facilitate recycling, it is recommended that distinctively marked garbage receptacles be provided on board the ship to receive garbage as it is generated. Receptacles on board can be in the form of drums, metal bins, cans, container bags, or wheelie bins. Any receptacles on deck areas, poop decks or areas exposed to the weather should be secured on the ship and have lids that are tight and securely fixed. All garbage receptacles should be secured to prevent loss, spillage, or loss of any garbage that is deposited in the receptacles. Receptacles should be clearly marked and distinguishable by graphics shape, size, or location. Receptacles should be placed in appropriate spaces throughout the ship (e.g. the engine-room, mess deck, wardroom, galley, and other living or working spaces) and all crew members and passengers should be advised of what garbage should and should not be placed in them.

  2.4.3 The recommended garbage types that should be separated are:

  2.4.4 Crew responsibilities should be assigned for collecting or emptying these receptacles and taking the garbage to the appropriate processing or storage location. Use of such a system facilitates subsequent shipboard processing and minimizes the amount of garbage which must be stored on board ship for return to port.

  Plastics and plastics mixed with non-plastic garbage

  2.4.5 Plastics are used for a variety of marine purposes including, but not limited to, packaging (vapour-proof barriers, bottles, containers, liners, bags, cargo wrapping material, foam cushioning material, etc.); ship construction (fibreglass and laminated structures, siding, piping, insulation, flooring, carpets, fabrics, paints and finishes, adhesives, electrical and electronic components, etc.); disposable eating utensils (styrofoam plates, bowls, food containers, cups, etc.); bags; sheeting; floats; fishing nets; fishing lines; strapping bands; wire rope with synthetic fibre sheaths; combination wire rope; rope; line; sails; and many other manufactured plastic items.

  2.4.6 Regulation 3.2 of Annex V prohibits the discharge of all plastics into the sea. When plastic is mixed with other garbage, the mixture must be treated as if it were all plastic. The most stringent procedures for the handling and discharge should be followed taking into account the applicable provisions of the garbage management plan.

  Food wastes

  2.4.7 Some governments have regulations for controlling human, plant, and animal diseases that may be carried by foreign food wastes and materials that have been associated with them (e.g. food packing and disposable eating utensils, etc.). These regulations may require incinerating, sterilizing, double bagging or other special treatment of garbage to destroy possible pest and disease organisms. This type of garbage should be kept separate from other garbage and preferably retained for discharge at port reception facilities in accordance with the laws of the receiving country. Governments are reminded of their obligation to ensure the provision of adequate reception facilities. Precautions must be taken to ensure that plastics contaminated by food wastes (e.g. plastic food wrappers) are not discharged into the sea with other food wastes.

  Synthetic fishing net and line scraps

  2.4.8 As regulation 3.2 of MARPOL Annex V prohibits the discharge into the sea of synthetic fishing net and line scraps generated by the repair or operation of fishing gear, these items should be collected in a manner that avoids their loss overboard. Such material may be incinerated, compacted, or stored along with other plastics or it may be preferable to keep it separate from other types of garbage if it has strong odour or is present in great volume. Unless such garbage is appropriately incinerated, the atmospheric incineration products could be toxic. Onboard incineration should follow regulation 16 of MARPOL Annex VI.

  Recovery of garbage at sea

  2.4.9 Seafarers are encouraged to recover persistent garbage from the sea during routine operations as opportunities arise and prudent practice permits, and they are encouraged to retain the material for discharge to port reception facilities.