Waste Management & Recycling

On the water, trash can quickly become marine debris. Marine debris is any manufactured item that ends up as trash in our oceans, lakes, or inland waterways.

More than an eyesore, trash in the ocean is one of the world’s most pervasive pollution problems. It sickens and kills marine animals and birds. It also undermines economies based on tourism and fisheries. While as much as 80 percent of marine debris is said to come from land-based activities, as boaters, we need to do our part.

Laws

Under federal law, it is illegal to toss ANY garbage from a boat while you are anywhere in lakes, rivers, bays, sounds, and offshore in the ocean less than 3 miles. Changes to MARPOL (marine pollution guidelines) Annex V went into effect on January 1, 2013. All U.S. boats (commercial and recreational) must now comply with these changes. Below is a chart of what cannot be discharged from a boat.

“Special areas” include the Wider Caribbean region which includes the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Click here for more information on special areas.

Additionally, all boats 26 ft or more in length must have a written garbage placard and an oil discharge placard “prominently posted” to remind you and your crew what can be thrown overboard and what can’t. The placards must be permanently attached, be made of durable material, and must be at least 5X9 inches in size. Until U.S. regulations are updated to reflect the new garbage discharge requirements and placards are readily available, U.S. flagged ships operating exclusively in U.S. waters may continue to use existing placards. Placards can be found at your local boating retail store.

Violations may result in civil penalties up to $25,000, a fine of up to $250,000 for an individual or up to $500,000 for an organization and/or a prison sentence of up to 6 years. State anti-littering laws may also apply on your boating waters.

Boats 40 ft and longer must also have a written waste management plan, stating how you deal with the collected waste onboard, who handles it, and where it is disposed. This can be as short as one paragraph. We recommend that you keep your plan in your onboard ship’s papers. For a sample waste management plan, click here.

Please note that this law only covers garbage, and does not cover sewage (black water) or sink or shower water (grey water). Learn more about these in our sewage section.

Each year, more than 100,000 marine mammals die from ingesting debris or becoming entangled in fishing lines, nets, and other types of derelict fishing gear. You can do your part to stop this by recycling your fishing line.

Fishing line, regardless of what type, can cause serious damage when disposed of improperly. It can harm boats, kill wildlife, and foul boat propellers. These problems stem from the fact that fishing line isn’t biodegradable. Instead, it can remain in the marine environment for over 600 years. That’s more than six centuries of potential damage to boats, wildlife, and the environment.

Pet Waste

Pet waste can contain harmful bacteria and negatively impact the marine environment. Waste eventually enters the waterways through runoff and can contaminate the water and shellfish beds and encourage weed and algae growth. Make sure you pick up all pet waste and dispose of it properly – in a trash can or dumpster. Some marinas have pet waste stations but make sure you always have baggies handy, just in case.

Oil

Disposing of used oil can be a messy problem. Used oil is considered a hazardous waste and if not handled properly it can contaminate soil and waterways resulting in environmental damage and costly clean-up. Luckily, it can be easily and safely recycled. In fact, recycling and rerefining used oil uses between 50 to 85 percent less energy than refining virgin crude oil. Check with your marina to see if they offer collection of used oil for recycling. If they do, be sure to follow their guidelines for handling the used oil. If your marina does not offer a used oil collection service, check with your local automobile repair shop or look on Earth911.org for a collection site near you.

Used Oil Filters

Oil filters are recyclable because they’re made of steel, North America’s number one recycled material. They can be recycled into new steel products, such as cans, cars, appliances and construction materials. Recycling all the filters sold annually in the United States would result in the recovery enough steel to make 160,000 new cars! For used oil filter recycling locations see Earth911.org.

Shrink Wrap

Shrink wrap is a low-density polyethylene cocoon used to protect boats during the winter. Shrink wrap is not biodegradable, and can become a disposal problem at landfills. Many marinas have started offering bulk shrink wrap recycling programs. If your marina does not offer shrink wrap recycling on site, there are companies that for a nominal fee will send you a postage paid bag that can be filled with shrink warp and returned to the company for recycling. For more information see Dr. Shrink.

Flares

To date, flares cannot be recycled but special care should be taken with their disposal. Throwing flares in your household trash can cause a dangerous situation and setting off old flares can result in false distress reports. To dispose of expired flares contact your local county public works department, police or fire department. Alternatively check with a local boating education group. They often use old flares for educational purposes.

Lead-Acid Batteries

Batteries contain lead and sulfuric acid which are both toxic to the marine environment. Most states have battery recycling laws which has prompted most battery dealers to ask for your old battery upon the purchase of a new one. When a spent battery is collected, it is sent to a permitted recycler where, under strict environmental regulations, the lead and plastic are reclaimed and sent to a new battery manufacturer. As a result of these programs the typical new lead-acid battery contains 60 to 80 percent recycled lead and plastic. For more information on where to recycle batteries see Earth911.org.

Antifreeze

While marine-rated propylene glycol antifreeze is less toxic than “regular” automobile-use ethylene glycol antifreeze, both products need to be handled carefully and disposed of properly. Used antifreeze often contains other substances including heavy metals that can be harmful to human and aquatic health. Antifreeze can be filtered and reconditioned for reuse by licensed professionals. For more information on where to find an antifreeze recycling location near you, see Earth911.org.

Hazardous Waste

• Read labels! If the label includes strong warning statements about personal health, the product can also have significant environmental implications if improperly disposed (as well as significant personal health implications if improperly used).
• Before you buy a new product with strong warning labels ask yourself if you really need to use a product that strong.
• Buy only the amount you’ll need or share with a friend.
• Follow directions for use and safely store where the product container can’t capsize!
• Try alternative products or methods of cleaning.
• Schedule major maintenance work on land away from the water’s edge (maybe during winter storage?).
• Find your local “Household Hazardous Waste” collection days where you can safely dispose of these products. Check with your local public works department or check out Earth911.org to find possibilities in your town.