2.1 Waste Minimization

  2.1.1 All shipowners and operators should minimize taking onboard material that could become garbage. Ship-specific garbage minimization procedures should be included in the Garbage Management Plan. It is recommended that manufacturers, cargo owners, ports and terminals, shipowners and operators and governments consider the management of garbage associated with ships' supplies, provisions, and cargoes as needed to minimize the generation of garbage in all forms.

  2.1.2 When making supply and provisioning arrangements, shipowners and operators, where possible, with the ships suppliers should consider the products being procured in terms of the garbage they will generate. Options that should be considered to decrease the amount of such garbage include the following:

• .1 using supplies that come in bulk packaging, taking into account factors such as adequate shelf-life (once a container is open) to avoid increasing garbage associated with such products;

• .2 using supplies that come in reusable or recyclable packaging and containers; avoiding the use of disposable cups, utensils, dishes, towels and rags and other convenience items whenever possible; and

• .3 avoiding supplies that are packaged in plastic, unless a reusable or recyclable plastic is used.

  2.1.3 When considering selection of materials for stowage and securing of cargo or protection of cargo from the weather, shipowners and operators should consider how much garbage such materials will generate. Options that should be considered to decrease the amount of such garbage include the following:

• .1 using permanent reusable coverings for cargo protection instead of disposable or recyclable plastic sheeting;

• .2 using stowage systems and methods that reuse dunnage, shoring, lining and packing materials; and

• .3 discharging to port reception facilities the dunnage, lining and packaging materials generated in port during cargo activities as its discharge into the sea is not permitted.

  2.1.4 Governments are encouraged to undertake research and technology development to minimize potential garbage and its impacts on the marine environment. Suggested areas for such study are listed below:

• .1 development of recycling technology and systems for all types of materials that may be returned to shore as garbage; and

• .2 development of technology for use of biodegradable materials to replace current plastic products as appropriate. In connection with this, governments should also study the impacts on the environment of the products from degradation of such new materials.