Module 17 - Marine Environment
Garbage Disposal
The IMO's simplified Annex V overview says garbage discharge is prohibited unless the annex expressly permits it. Plastics, synthetic rope, fishing gear, cooking oil, paper, rags, glass, metal, bottles and similar refuse are prohibited outside and within special areas. When garbage is mixed with another harmful material, the more stringent requirement applies.
Outside special areas and Arctic waters, comminuted or ground food waste that passes through a screen no larger than 25 millimetres may be discharged only when the vessel is en route, as far as practicable from land and more than 3 nautical miles from nearest land. Food waste that is not ground needs more than 12 nautical miles. Within special areas and Arctic waters, qualifying ground food waste needs more than 12 nautical miles and the unground-food exception is not available. Additional local requirements can still apply.
A cruising yacht rarely gains enough value from those exceptions to justify classifying waste, checking area status, confirming processing and measuring distance at the moment of disposal. Secure all rubbish aboard, prevent loose items escaping when the yacht heels or a hatch opens, and use a suitable shore reception facility. Vessels over 12 metres length overall also need the applicable garbage placard described in MCA guidance.
- Start from prohibition and establish every condition before relying on an exception
- Plastics and ordinary refuse remain aboard for shore disposal
- Food-waste conditions change with processing, distance and area status
- A secured all-waste-ashore routine is simpler and less error-prone
| Material | Annex V position | Coastal-yacht routine |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic and ordinary refuse | Discharge prohibited | Secure aboard and dispose ashore |
| Ground food passing a 25mm screen | Outside special areas: >3nm, en route and as far as practicable | Bring ashore unless the exact exception is established and necessary |
| Unground food waste | Outside special areas: >12nm, en route and as far as practicable | Bring ashore |
| Ground food in a special area | >12nm, en route and as far as practicable; further conditions can apply | Confirm area status or retain aboard |
| Mixed or contaminated waste | Apply the more stringent requirement | Keep contained and obtain the correct shore disposal route |
Optional quick check
Section 4 of 8
Which item may use the >3nm Annex V exception outside special areas when every other condition is met?
Sources and factual review
Reviewed 20 August 2026 - Compass Revision editorial review.
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