Reduce Marine & Offshore Waste & Recycling Costs

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    In a marine or offshore environment, maintaining a safe and clean operation is a key factor in the daily lives of both guests and crew. Responsible marine waste management is not only vital to the prevention of pollution and keeping in compliance with federal discharge laws, it can also save vessel and fleet owners money and valuable onboard space.

     

    The Challenges of Marine Waste Disposal

    Waste types and amounts can differ, depending on the length of the voyage and the number of crew and passengers, but waste onboard is sure to include plastic bags, aluminum cans, and a wide range of discarded items that cannot be released into the ocean. The common issue is that space is restricted and uncompressed waste can quickly become a challenge to handle. You need a comprehensive waste management plan that includes garbage minimization, recycling separation, and trash compactors to help eliminate marine debris that affects the environment.

    Handling uncompressed waste takes time, but by installing a cardboard baler or marine waste compactor systems, you can compact cardboard, plastic, and other recyclable waste instantly. Using a marine waste compactor at the waste source can provide multiple time-saving and efficiency-boosting advantages. Global Trash Solutions offers balers and compactors for marine waste management that have a small footprint and can compact common types of waste by up to 90%.

    Plastic ocean pollution. Underwater bags, bottles, cups, straws and ear buds

    The Benefits of a Marine Trash Compactor and Baler

    • Allow more space for money-making cargo and passengers
    • Less trips to port to offload trash and recyclables
    • Reduce crew time spent on waste disposal and cleaning operations
    • Present a cleaner and more attractive vessel to passengers
    • Reduce the risk and impact of marine debris and ocean dumping

    Developing a Marine Waste Management Plan for Your Vessel

    Here’s how our process works to improve waste management and prevent marine debris from entering the environment:

    • One of our marine industry solid waste brokers and waste reduction consultants will perform a thorough analysis of your current marine waste management and disposal practices to identify waste solutions for garbage collection and efficient storage and disposal of recycling and solid waste.
    • Once we’ve completed our analysis of your marine garbage disposal process, our waste consultants will offer marine debris solutions, processes, and equipment designed for marine and offshore applications. Waste brokers can negotiate the best possible rate for pickup, hauling, and garbage disposal when you reach harbor.
    Aerial drone top down photo of industrial cargo container tanker ship carrier docked in commercial port terminal

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    What MARPOL Annex V means to you

    MARPOL Annex V is a set of regulations concerning disposal of garbage from ships and what substances can be released to the sea. These regulations came into effect on January 1, 2013, and have been amended to prohibit almost all types of garbage disposal at sea. This means that almost all vessels will need to retain their trash until it can be disposed of on land.

    Plastic pollution in particular is a global problem. Plastic debris including plastic films and compact plastic bottles are polluting the oceans and the seafloor from earlier practices that allowed discarded items to be released into the ocean. MARPOL Annex V is intended to alleviate the environmental and climate crisis and restore clean harbors and waterways.

    Photo near the shipyard
    Aerial view large cruise ship at sea, Passenger cruise ship vessel


    MARPOL Annex V Categorizes Ship Waste for Proper Disposal

    Past practices allowed the dumping of many kinds of garbage into the ocean when ships were at least 12 miles offshore. This kind of ocean dumping is illegal under MARPOL. These guidelines for maritime waste disposal require that:

    • Plastics may not be released and need to be recycled. GTS can recommend a plastic baler that can keep these materials in small and easy-to-stack bales.
    • Food waste may be discharged at sea but only under specific circumstances. GTS can provide self-contained compactors and trash bags that will contain food waste in an odor-free way.
    • Cooking oil may not be discharged at sea and will need to be stored for disposal.
    • Domestic waste includes garbage generated by crew and passengers, including bottles, papers, and cardboard. These may never be discharged at sea, and should be compacted into the smallest unit possible for storage.
    • Ashes created by burning garbage in an incinerator may not be released into the ocean.
    • Only environmentally safe cleaning products can be washed into the ocean during ship maintenance.
    • Cargo residues may only be discharged at sea under specific circumstances if they present no risk to the environment.
    • Animal carcasses may be released at sea under specific circumstances.
    • Fishing gear and nets may not be released or discharged at sea.


    Does MARPOL V Apply to Me?

    All ships are subject to MARPOL V regulations. MARPOL Annex V also requires those in the boating and marine industry to create a written solid waste management plan if at least one of the following conditions applies:

    • The vessel has at least 100 gross tonnage

    OR

    • The vessel is certified to carry a crew of at least 15 individuals

    OR

    • The vessel in question is a fixed or floating platform, which includes offshore oil rigs and drilling platforms


    Aerial view large cruise ship at sea, Passenger cruise ship vessel


    Aerial view large cruise ship at sea, Passenger cruise ship vessel


    Marine Waste Consulting for Your Vessel or Fleet

    We offer a free consultation and evaluation of your marine debris solutions and recycling needs.
    Global Trash Solutions provides products that comply with MARPOL Annex V and the International Maritime Organization regulations. Our waste brokers have the global network to find the best rates for your marine waste management services and our waste consultants will recommend the best equipment and supplies for your needs.

    Cruise lines, cargo lines, and many other kinds of businesses that operate overseas vessels can benefit immensely from our marine plastic management and waste disposal systems. We can help you choose the right waste management strategies and equipment across multiple locations and harbors. Contact us today to find out how much you can save while reducing waste onboard and limiting marine litter.

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