Boat and Ship Waste
The maritime industry creates all sorts of waste – just not on land. Commercial boats and ships have many different functions that means they generate rubbish of various types. Like any other business, this must be stored, removed, and disposed of responsibly to protect the environment.
There’s lots of coverage about how damaging waste is to our oceans. Ensuring boats and ships that use inland waterways and sail the seas manage the waste they produce responsibly is vital to protect the oceans and marine life. This includes small leisure boats and big cargo container ships.
Learn about the types of boat and ship waste and how to manage it responsibly. If you operate a commercial boat, ship, or run a fleet – or have some old boats to get rid of – we may be able to help. Call 0800 211 8390 or contact us online today for a free quote.
What kinds of boats and ships
create waste?
All kinds of boats that sail on waterways around the UK can create waste. This includes everything from small fishing vessels getting their daily catch to huge cruise ships docking in ports. If a boat has a commercial purpose then the waste generated must be managed appropriately. Small private boats create waste, but this may be treated as domestic waste.
There’s a difference between ‘boat waste’ and ‘ship waste.’ Both vessels sail on inland waterways (such as rivers and canals) or seas, but the regulations that cover them mainly differ depending on the size of the vessel and its use.
These are common boats that create waste:
- Canal boats
- Fishing boats
- Leisure boats
- Yachts
These are examples of ships that create waste:
- Cruise ships
- Cargo ships
- Oil tankers
- Container ships
- Naval vessels
What waste types do boats
and ships produce?
Boats and ships create different waste types and volumes depending on their functions. Oil tankers are more likely to generate hazardous waste while cruise liners are likelier to produce more food waste, for example. Separating, storing, and disposing of each waste stream responsibly is important.
These are some common types of waste produced on boats and ships:
- General waste – food scraps, non-recyclable packaging, and used paper towels from passengers and staff onboard any boat or ship.
- Oil waste – the engines of boats and ships create waste oil and fuel that must be managed safely to avoid health and safety risks.
- Hazardous waste – various types of hazardous waste may be produced to operate boats and ships or transported by commercial ships.
- Food waste – any waste food from catering and kitchens onboard the likes of cruise ships and boats making long journeys.
- Sanitary waste – waste from toilets and bathrooms on cruise liners, cargo ships, and canal boats.
- Old boats – any old boats and materials that can’t be repaired or reused and require professional disposal.
Boat and ship waste regulations
There are many UK and international regulations that cover waste management across different waterways and for different vessels.
These are the key regulations that apply to boat waste in and around the UK:
- Merchant Shipping Regulations 2008 – applies to ships and boats in UK waters
- Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels Regulations 2003 – applies to ports, harbours, ships, and fishing vessels using UK ports and harbours
- Environment Agency Regulations – applies to boats on inland waterways in England managed by the Environment Agency
- Canal & River Trust Regulations – applies to boats on canals and rivers in England and Wales managed by the Canal & River Trust
- Scottish Canals Regulations – applies to boats on Scottish canals and waterways managed by Scottish Canals
- Northern Ireland Environment Agency Regulations – applies to boats on inland waterways in Northern Ireland managed by the NIEA
- MARPOL – applies to ships and boats in international waters
Book boat waste collection
Get a free quote for waste collection and disposal from any boat or ship. Speak to one of our expert team to discuss your specific needs and we’ll work out the best solution for you. This includes options for the likes of regular removals of food waste or the collection and disposal of old boats themselves.
Call 0800 211 8390 or contact us online today. All waste is removed by licensed waste carriers and disposed of away from landfill where possible. We work with a nationwide network so waste solutions are available anywhere in the UK at a cost-effective price.
Boat waste FAQs
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Can you throw boat waste in rivers and canals?
You must not throw any type or amount of waste from any boat into any river, canal, or lake in the UK. All waste from a boat using inland waterways in the UK must be taken onshore and disposed of appropriately. This means disposing of waste at the nearest docking or mooring location or arranging commercial waste collection.
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Can you dispose of boat waste in the sea?
Where possible you should not dispose of any boat waste in the sea, as it can harm wildlife and our oceans. However, legally you can dispose of food waste outside the 12-mile nautical limit from the nearest land. It’s also legal to discharge comminuted food waste (ground to under 25mm) at sea outside a three-mile nautical limit.
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What should you do with waste from private boats?
Any waste from private boats should be collected onboard and ideally segregated into different waste streams – such as general waste, recycling, and food waste. You should then dispose of it in the relevant bins at the nearest mooring or docking point when back on land. Alternatively, take it home and dispose of it properly in your household waste bins.
Learn about more waste types
Find out more about other rubbish streams.
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