20

Guidance on Waste
Management for Tankers
(2nd Edition)     
 Guidance on Waste
Management for Tankers
2nd Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form (including photocopying
or storing it in any medium by electronic means and whether or not transiently or incidentally to some other
use of this publication) without the written permission of INTERTANKO. Applications for INTERTANKO’s written
permission to reproduce any part of this publication should be addressed to the publisher.

© INTERTANKO 2020

While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this publication is correct,
neither the authors nor INTERTANKO can accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions or any
consequences resulting therefrom.

No reliance should be placed on the information or advice contained in this publication

without independent verification.

Vers.1 – Dec 2020

1. Introduction  4
1.1 MARPOL Annex V and the 2017 Guidelines 4
1.2 INTERTANKO’s Guide 4
1.3 General principles 4
2. Guidance 6
2.1 Plastics 6
2.1.1 Single-use plastics (SUPs) 6
2.1.2 Single-use plastic drinking bottles 7
2.2 Incineration 8
2.2.1 Incinerator ashes 8
2.2.2 Incineration of polyvinyl chlorides (PVCs) 8
2.2.3 Incineration of plastics containing trace heavy metals 8
2.2.4 Cigarette filters/butts 8
2.3 Used wires, ropes and tails 8
2.4 Expired pyrotechnics 8
2.5 Expired or used batteries 9
2.6 Boiler/economizer wash down water 10
2.7 Oily rags 10
2.7.1 Landed ashore 10
2.7.2 Incineration 10
2.8 Drums and cans previously containing lube oil, chemicals and  10
paint
2.9 Expired liquid foam 11
2.10 Galley waste 11
2.10.1 Used cooking oil 11
2.10.2 Other galley wastes 11
2.11 Aerosol canisters 12
2.12 Medical waste 12
2.12.1 Medical waste generated during patient diagnosis,  12
treatment or immunisation
2.12.2 Expired medicines including narcotics 12
2.13 Maintenance waste such as hydro blasting and sand blasting  12
wastes
2.14 Biofouling waste from cleaning sea water intakes and internal sea  13
water cooling systems
2.15 E-waste 13
2.15.1 Fluorescent light-tubes and light-bulbs14
3. Record keeping 15
4. Adequacy of port reception facilities 16
5. Reference documents 16

Annexes
Annex I Simplified overview of the discharge provisions of the 17
revised MARPOL Annex V for tankers
Annex II Relevant definitions contained in MARPOL Annex V,  18
Regulations for the Prevention by Garbage from Ships
Annex III Relevant definitions contained in the 2017 Guidelines  19
for the implementation of MARPOL Annex V,
MEPC 295(71)
Annex IV Identification of plastics and associated management  21
options
1. Introduction

1. Introduction
1.1 MARPOL Annex V and the 2017 Guidelines
MARPOL Annex V and its Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships entered into force
on 31 December 1988. The latest revision of the Annex entered into force on 1 January 2013. Subsequent
to this, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) issued the 2017 Guidelines for the Implementation of
MARPOL Annex V (Resolution MEPC.295 (71)) in July 2017.

The latest revision of MARPOL Annex V brings this Annex into line with the remaining Annexes and sets a
complete prohibition on the discharge of garbage to the sea. Exceptions to this prohibition exist within the
Annex in Regulations 3, 4, 5 and 6. In general terms, these exceptions are limited to food wastes, certain cargo
residues (primarily for dry-cargo residues), certain cleaning agents and additives and cargo residues entrained
in wash water which are not harmful to the marine environment. A matrix for the discharge requirements
relevant for tankers can be found in Annex I of this Guide.

The definitions found in Annex II and Annex III of this Guide are taken from the revised MARPOL Annex V
and the 2017 IMO Guidelines.

1.2 INTERTANKO’s Guide

This document provides guidance for the management of waste on-board tankers, taking into account the
IMO requirements and guidance. Importantly, this document provides additional guidance for items that are
either not covered in MARPOL Annex V and its Guidelines or that require additional management consideration
from a practical perspective.

When developing procedures for the management of regulated waste streams, INTERTANKO
advises Members that any such procedures are checked against their Administration’s requirements.
Furthermore, port States and regional regulatory authorities may have unilateral legislation in
place for both MARPOL-regulated waste and other waste streams not regulated by MARPOL. As
such, owners and operators are urged to maintain an up-to-date record of all national and regional
requirements and ensure that all management procedures meet those requirements relevant to the
vessel’s trading pattern.

1.3 General principles

As a general principle, the strategy to reduce, reuse and recycle should form the basis of the Garbage
Management Plan. This waste hierarchy remains the cornerstone of most waste reduction management with
the aim of extracting the maximum practical benefits from products and generating the minimum amount of
waste.

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 1.3 General principles

The following hierarchy can be used as a basis for the management of waste:

The basic management option to minimising and reducing waste on board is to manage this at source –
reducing the sources of waste coming aboard. For example, reducing waste at source by urging suppliers to
deliver stores with less packaging may assist with more general waste streams while requesting suppliers of
specialist or hazardous materials to provide provision for their eventual safe disposal will assist in effectively
managing what waste is generated aboard. Conversely, delivering waste in a uniform and standardised
manner, as proposed by the ISO 21070 standard, may allow port reception facilities to more effectively receive
segregated waste in readiness for recycling.

The following lists examples of more general management options for the reduction and reuse of waste
onboard and that may be incorporated into the Garbage Management Plan:

Example:
• Avoid buying disposable pens, lighters, cameras, razors and other single-use goods, reusable items
often pay off the higher initial cost in just a few uses.
• Use fabric napkins and towels instead of single-use paper napkins and towels.
• Send your packages in reusable packaging.
• Packages with bubble wrap can be placed in the plastic bag recycling bins, but it’s always better to reuse
than to recycle.
• Repair worn out items when it’s possible and practical, to give items added life.
• Purchase less toxic cleaners. If you must use chemical cleaners, use them carefully and sparingly. Many
recipes are available for making cleaners from inexpensive domestic products, such as lemon juice,
vinegar and baking soda.
• Look for products that use less packaging and buy in bulk. A few refillable containers (glass jars, oatmeal
canisters, Tupperware containers, etc.) are perfect for storing bulk foods.
• When buying foods in bulk, request for minimum packaging.
• A major waste item is paper use for office administration. Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities
to reduce the amount of paper used.
• Use both sides of paper before recycling it. Set printers and copiers to default to double-sided printing
or copying. Use scrap paper for taking messages or writing notes before recycling it.
• If you must use paper, choose paper that is made from post-consumer recycled content.
• Toner cartridges from laser printers and print cartridges from fax machines can be refilled and
reconditioned.

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2. Guidance

2. Guidance
The following subsections cover items and issues commonly queried by INTERTANKO Members with proposals
as to how such wastes may be managed.

2.1 Plastics
While MARPOL Annex V establishes the prohibition of discharging all plastics into the sea, the growing focus
on reducing plastic waste globally has given rise to a more heightened awareness of the need to reduce
the amount of plastic used on ships. The IMO has pledged to further address the significant problem posed
by plastics in the marine environment with the adoption of an action plan which aims to enhance existing
regulations and introduce new supporting measures to reduce marine plastic litter from ships.

In adopting the action plan, the IMO seeks to address the environmental and health problems posed by marine
plastic litter and in turn support the targets set in the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) on
the oceans. So while the tanker industry has long since met the obligations established in MARPOL Annex V,
the focus is now turning to the minimisation of plastics brought and used on-board, with particular attention
being given to single-use plastics (SUPs).

The most prevalent form of plastic waste on board is generated by the packaging stores. Limiting the quantity
of packaging being brought aboard with stores should be the first objective in reducing and managing plastic
as a waste stream. The following was provided as a standard procedure within a tanker company:

1.  Whenever provisions or any equipment come onboard, the ship’s crew must return the extra packing
and plastics to the supplier immediately.

2.  For ships on a fixed trading pattern, suppliers should be encouraged to supply spares and/or stores in
cages on wheels that can be returned during the next call for the vessel at the same port.

3.  Dunnage, lining and packaging materials generated in port during cargo discharge should preferably be
disposed of at the port reception facilities and not retained onboard .

4.  Reusable bottles should be used for storage of water.

5.  Disposable and other plastic utensils should be replaced with washable items

If plastic is brought on board, then recycling should be considered over and above the option of incineration.
Incineration not only generates an increase in air emissions but also creates a further waste that will have to
be landed ashore.

Annex IV of this Guide provides information on the identification of plastics and associated management
options.

2.1.1 Single-use plastics (SUPs)

Single-use plastics (SUPs) are defined as disposable plastics that are used only once before they are thrown
away or recycled. These items are things like plastic bags, straws, coffee stirrers, soda and water bottles and
most food packaging.

SUPs are synthetic and petroleum-based which makes them difficult to recycle. As such, they frequently go to
landfill, where they do not biodegrade (decompose into a natural substance like soil). Although plastic will not
biodegrade, it will degrade (break down) into tiny particles after many years. These particles in themselves are
problematic as their smaller size means they can more easily end up being digested by animals, particularly in
the sea.

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 2.1.2 Single-use plastic drinking bottles

To combat the growing quantity of plastic ending up in the environment (both land and sea) a number of
countries have announced prohibitions on the use of SUPs on ships plying their territorial waters. India was the
first country to announce such a prohibition, followed by Kuwait.

India’s Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) announced its prohibition on the use of SUP on both Indian-
Flagged and foreign-Flagged ships in Indian waters in 2019. The move is focused on making India and Indian
waters free from SUP. Kuwait also announced a prohibition on the use of SUP on both Kuwaiti-Flagged and
foreign-Flagged ships in Kuwaiti waters with effect from 1 January 2020.

To comply with India’s requirements, all cargo ships are expected to prepare a ship-specific Ship Execution Plan
(SEP) detailing the inventory of all SUPs used on board the ship as of 31 January 2020. The inventory will be
used to decide which SUP will be prohibited on the ship. While this is only mandatory for India, the SEP may
be useful for companies doing a general review of SUP management and reduction on-board.

INTERTANKO has produced guidance to help its Members meet the SUP prohibition on board ships and aid
with identifying SUPs, developing proper record keeping to track the use of SUP on board ships and identifying
possible solutions and an action plan to reduce the amount of SUP on board ships. This is available on the
INTERTANKO website: https://www.INTERTANKO.com/info-centre/INTERTANKO-guidance

2.1.2 Single-use plastic drinking bottles

Notwithstanding the introduction of unilateral requirements to eliminate SUPs from ships, a number of tanker
owners and managers have introduced policies focusing on the reduction and ultimately eliminating plastic
drinking bottles on board. The objective of these policies is to replace plastic drinking bottles with on-board
water production methods such as mineralisers, sterilising equipment and filtration systems.

Producing water on board requires careful planning to safeguard the health of the crew from contamination.
Health risks are associated with cross-connections between potable and non-potable water, poor design and
construction of potable water storage tanks and inadequate disinfection. The World Health Organization
(WHO) has produced a Guide to Ship Sanitation (2011) which should be referenced to ensure that proper
control measures relating to design and construction as well as crew sanitation training are introduced to
minimise any health risks on-board.

The WHO guidance advises that:

• the design and construction of the ship should be as failsafe as possible with respect to maintaining a
sanitary environment;

• the food, water and materials taken on board should be as safe as possible;

• crew should be well trained in ship sanitation and have all the equipment, facilities, materials and
capacity necessary to permit the maintenance of a sanitary environment on board;

• a risk management system should be put in place and maintained to ensure the identification,
reporting and mitigation of public health risks.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has produced ISO 15748-1:2002 (2018) which applies
to the planning, design and configuration of potable water supply systems on ships, stationary or floating
marine structures and inland waterway vessels. This standard specifies the minimum requirements for potable
water supply systems to be met in order to protect the potable water and to maintain its quality. It also
provided hints on components to be used and on laying of the pipelines.

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2. Guidance

When considering the introduction of a policy on plastic drinking bottles on board and the use of on-board
potable water systems, a company needs to consider the cultural and societal change that needs to be
implemented on board, as much as the practical changes necessary for changing the drinking water supply
and procurement system. In this respect, regular documented quality control checks should be introduced on
board. While this forms part of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) requirements, it will also lend
confidence to the crew that the water being produced is comparable to bottled drinking water.

2.2 Incineration

2.2.1 Incinerator ashes

Even though incinerator ash does not require a large amount of storage capacity, the company should ensure
that the vessel has sufficient storage capacity for incinerator ash production on the voyages undertaken.

2.2.2 Incineration of polyvinyl chlorides (PVCs)

Special precautions are required when considering the incineration of plastics containing polyvinyl chlorides
(PVCs). While MARPOL Annex V does not expressly prohibit the incineration of plastics containing PVCs,
MARPOL Annex VI specifies that such material must not be incinerated except in a shipboard incinerator for
which an IMO Type Approval Certificate is issued (see 2014 Standard specification for shipboard incinerators
(Resolution MEPC 244(66)).

Plastics containing PVC are identified as ‘Number 3 Plastics’ and are found in window cleaner and detergent
bottles, shampoo bottles, cooking oil bottles, clear food packaging, wire jacketing, medical equipment, siding,
windows, piping, decks, panelling, flooring, cables and mats.

Number 3 plastics may release toxic breakdown products into food and drinks, as such, number 3 plastics for
food and drinks should be avoided. The risk is higher when containers start wearing out, are put through the
dishwasher or when they are heated (including microwaved).

Understanding the difficulties faced by the crew in identifying which plastics may contain PVC may provide
further reason to implement a policy of not burning plastics aboard and instead land all plastic ashore.

2.2.3 Incineration of plastics containing trace heavy metals

There is some degree of overlap between MARPOL Annex V and Annex VI. It is very difficult to make the
distinction between garbage that contains trace heavy metals and that which does not, particularly for those
onboard. As a consequence, it is recommended that plastics are not incinerated on board and landed ashore.

2.2.4 Cigarette filters/butts

Cigarette filters or butts are made from fibrous material designed to trap tar and other toxic chemicals.
The filters are made from cellulose acetate (a material similar to rayon) and are coated with paper. A safe
management option is to consider each filter/butt, together with the remnants of tobacco and paper, as “non-
recyclable plastics“ which can then be landed ashore.

2.3 Used wires, ropes and tails

Used wires, ropes and tails may be given to contractors who can benefit from recycling of certain materials or
even sell them as second-hand where appropriate.

2.4 Expired pyrotechnics

Expired or out-of-date pyrotechnics have been shown to be a safety hazard and it is recommended that they
are disposed of in a timely manner. However, it is increasingly difficult to land used pyrotechnics ashore. While
certain countries and regions will accept expired pyrotechnics, other ports and countries may refuse. A first

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 2.5 Expired or used batteries

step is to draw up a list of common tanker ports and/or those frequently used by the company that will accept
expired pyrotechnics. The following is provided as an example:

Example:

• Singapore accepts out-of-date pyrotechnics through contact with the supplier’s agents. However,
additional charges exist for the collection (by the supplier) as well as a customs permit.

• Agents at Fujairah confirmed that authorities don’t permit landing of expired pyrotechnics at Fujairah.

• Chinese makes or brands of pyrotechnics are not accepted at many places.

• United Kingdom HM Coastguard/Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) accepts some out-of-date
pyrotechnics for storage at Coastguard sites. See the MCA website regarding ‘New System for the
Disposal of Time Expired Pyrotechnics’.

The following three options may be considered if the reception facility provider does not accept the expired
pyrotechnics;

1. Return out-of-date pyrotechnics to the supplier, directly or via the local representative. This can be
facilitated at the purchasing stage. When ordering new pyrotechnics, an agreement should be made
with the supplier to accept the expired ones for disposal or recycling.

2. Request a life raft service station to accept any of the ship's out-of-date pyrotechnics when life rafts
are being sent ashore for servicing. Many life raft service stations deal with the disposal of the expired
pyrotechnics on a regular basis and have arrangements locally to do this.

3. Contact the local Coastguard or Police who may be able to arrange disposal through a military
establishment.

In trying to eliminate the disposal problem at source, option ‘1’ above should be sought. Contact should be
made with the pyrotechnic suppliers (and their agents) with a view to an agreement on how the supplier
may assist with the disposal at the expiration point of the product. Drawing the suppliers into the process will
also ensure that the products are being handled in a safe and environmentally-sound manner. Some vendors
already assist with this aspect of their products. For example, in Japan, suppliers will accept their products
without charge. There are, however, transportation charges and a special procedure to be followed (specific
hazardous products transport packaging) and declaration to be completed by the ship.

Care should be taken when landing expired or out-of-date pyrotechnics to collection agencies. The company
has a responsibility to ensure that the agency used has a procedure for disposal of expired pyrotechnics.
Some collection agencies, for example around the Suez, have been known to sell the expired pyrotechnics by
changing the expiry dates.

If the pyrotechnics cannot be sent ashore immediately, then they should be kept onboard (clearly marked
as ‘out-of-date’) until they can be landed ashore. Upon disposal ashore, it is important to obtain a receipt/
certificate which states that the pyrotechnic has been landed ashore for safe destruction.

2.5 Expired or used batteries

Expired or used batteries should be considered as garbage that may present a hazard to the ship or the crew
and should therefore be kept separate from other types of waste. It is recommended that expired or used
batteries should be given to shore contractors for proper disposal. To minimise this form of waste in the first

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2. Guidance

instance, the use of rechargeable batteries can be considered, wherever applicable. A single rechargeable
nickel-metal hydride battery can replace up to 1,000 single-use alkaline batteries during its lifetime.

Storing batteries in plastic containers until they can be landed ashore can minimise the risk hazard to the crew
or ship. Batteries are explosive and should never be incinerated.

2.6 Boiler/economizer wash down water

There remains a divergence of views on the management of boiler/economizer washdown water between IMO
member States. This also includes a variation between flag Administrations, with some permitting discharge
of boiler/economizer washdown water while the vessel is en route while other Administrations prohibit its
discharge.

INTERTANKO has provided ‘Options for the management of boiler/economizer washdown water on tankers’,
which can be found on INTERTANKO’s website https://www.INTERTANKO.com/info-centre/INTERTANKO-
guidance.

2.7 Oily rags

Oily rags may be landed ashore for recycling or environmentally sound disposal or, under certain conditions,
incinerated on-board. In both cases, oily rags should be collected in non-combustible storage containers with
lids and stored in designated locations as reflected in the ship-specific Garbage Management Plan. Such
storage receptacles are described in SOLAS Chapter II Regulation 4.2; Waste receptacles shall be constructed
of non-combustible materials with no openings in the sides or bottom.

2.7.1 Landed ashore

As per MARPOL Annex VI, shipboard incineration of residues of cargoes subject to MARPOL Annex I or II is
prohibited. Hence the incineration of rags contaminated by Annex I cargo residues is not recommended. The
disposal of oily rags to shore-side facilities should be recorded in the Garbage Record Book Code F and when
possible, included in the Waste Delivery Receipt obtained from the port reception facility.

2.7.2 Incineration
Incinerators that are certified for incinerating solid waste are permitted to burn oil soaked rags. The
interpretation for oily rags included in the IMO’s Standard Specification for Shipboard Incinerators (Resolution
MEPC.244(66)), which reads as follows:

2.10. Oily rags are rags which have been saturated with oil as controlled in Annex I to the Convention.
Contaminated rags are rags which have been saturated with a substance defined as a harmful substance
in the other Annexes to MARPOL.

Particular caution is to be exercised when incinerating oily rags. Such operations should be carried out when
the engine room is manned with a competent or trained person in attendance and preferably during daylight
hours. While burning oily rags, it is recommended that small quantities are fed into the incinerator; that the
temperature is carefully monitored as per the incinerator manual, and; that the entire operation is manned
until completed.

The volume of rags incinerated onboard should be documented in the Garbage Record Book.

2.8 Drums and cans previously containing lube oil, chemicals and paint
Due to the difficulty in landing lube oil, chemical and paint drums, some companies have now developed
management plans for each type of drum. The management plan takes into account the likelihood that
there are occasions when paint drums containing expired paint will also have to be adequately managed and
procedures for these drums should be included in the management plan.

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 2.10.2 Other galley wastes

As a general principle however, it is recommended that drums and cans are landed ashore. As port reception
facilities are frequently reluctant to receive drums and cans that previously contained lube oil, chemicals or
paints, guidance in the Garbage Management Plan should be provided as to where and how drums and cans
can be landed ashore or managed, respectively. One way of minimising the volume is by compacting the empty
pails/drums on board prior shore disposal. See figure 1 below.

All drums and cans that are to be landed ashore as garbage should be well marked and inventoried.

2.9 Expired liquid foam

Expired or contaminated liquid foam compound used on board as a firefighting medium should be properly
stored in leak-proof containers and landed ashore as a part of garbage disposal. Guidance regarding the
disposal of this liquid foam compound should be clearly stated in the Garbage Management Plan.

2.10 Galley waste

2.10.1 Used cooking oil
The IMO has not yet reached agreement on a Unified Interpretation for the management of used cooking oil
on tankers, which in turn has led to a variation in flag Administration and port State authority interpretations.
INTERTANKO has provided a ‘Options for the Management of used Cooking Oil on Tankers’ reference to assist
Members in managing and recording the disposal of cooking oil in accordance with MARPOL Annex V.

Notwithstanding the management options in Annex V, companies are urged to check with their Flag
Administration before implementing any changes to their management and record-keeping procedures.

INTERTANKO will share these management options with the leading flag Administrations and port State
authorities in an effort to attain uniformity in interpretation and eventually a Unified Interpretation by the IMO.

2.10.2 Other galley wastes

The galley area can be an area on board that produces a large amount of waste and is a key area of focus
in reducing the quantity of waste generated on board. The following may be taken into account when
implementing a Garbage Management Plan:

• When buying foods in bulk, request for minimum packaging.

• Food should be cooked appropriately and in adequate quantity as per the persons onboard so that
unnecessary wastage can be reduced.

• The installation of refrigeration systems for food waste can allow such wastes to be hygienically stored.

• Shipboard incinerators are type approved for incineration of food waste. Incineration could be a means
of managing food waste, especially when disposal through a comminutor is not possible and when
trading in MARPOL Annex V Special Areas.

• A water purifier, mineraliser and steriliser may be installed in the drinking water system of the ship
(regardless of vessel size or trading pattern), which should reduce the plastic mineral water bottle
consumption and thus the use of plastic bottles. See section 2.1 above.

Individual bins in the galley and pantry areas are frequently the target for port State control officers. Care
should be taken to ensure that all galley waste is segregated from other waste streams as per MARPOL Annex
V and its Guidelines.

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2. Guidance

2.11 Aerosol canisters

Empty aerosol canisters (including single-use span gas cylinders) are categorised C – Domestic Wastes. Before
placing in the garbage, even though the contents may be non-hazardous, ensure the aerosol is empty by
discharging all contents and shaking the can and listening for liquid inside. Even when appearing empty,
aerosols may still be pressurised and therefore must not be punctured or incinerated due to the risk of
explosion. The plastic cap should be disposed of separately, however, the spray nozzle should not be removed.

2.12 Medical waste

Two types of medical waste need to be considered separately:

2.12.1 Medical waste generated during patient diagnosis, treatment or immunisation

This form of medical waste is of two categories: infectious and non-infectious. Infectious medical waste is
liquid or solid waste that contains pathogens in sufficient numbers and with sufficient virulence to cause
infectious disease in susceptible hosts exposed to the waste. Non-infectious medical waste includes disposable
medical supplies and materials that do not fall into the category of infectious medical waste.

Infectious waste should be safely stored or sterilised, e.g. by steam, adequately marked and suitably packaged
for ultimate disposal ashore. Medical waste should be labelled. Ships properly equipped may incinerate paper
and cloth-based medical waste but not plastic and wet materials. ‘Sharps’ such as hypodermic needles,
scalpels and other sharp medical equipment should be collected in plastic autoclavable sharps containers and
retained on board for ultimate disposal ashore. Unused hypodermic needles, scalpels and other sharp medical
equipment should be disposed of ashore in the same manner as medical waste.

Liquid medical wastes may be disposed of by discharging them into the sanitary system. Non-infectious medical
waste may be disposed of as garbage, not requiring steam sterilising or special handling.

2.12.2 Expired medicines including narcotics

The management of medicines on board must be documented from the moment they are brought on board
to the moment they are either landed ashore for destruction or incinerated on board. In this respect, expired
medicine can be sent ashore for destruction or incinerated on-board, with the approval of the Administration.

When landing ashore and in order to ensure that the medicines and any narcotics are disposed of in a
responsible manner, a signature should be obtained from the agent who represents the recognised pharmacist.
Possibility of an agreement with the medicine chest supplier may be explored to return expired medicines back
to the supplier.

The landing of this waste should be recorded in the Garbage Record Book, Category C, for domestic wastes.
Until such delivery is obtained, the expired medicine must be kept onboard in a sealed or locked box with a
clear warning statement, for example, “WARNING - EXPIRED MEDICINE - DO NOT USE”.

Any narcotic drug disposal must be logged in the Official Deck Logbook or Medical Log.

The same controls should be applied if expired medicines are incinerated on board, with the approval of the
administration. In such processes, the final destruction of the medicines must be witnessed by at least two
persons and documented in the Official Deck Logbook and Medical Log (Controlled Drugs Register).

2.13 Maintenance waste such as hydro blasting and sand blasting wastes
As there is a risk that hydro- or sand-blasting wastes may contain paint flakes and other substances which may
be harmful to the marine environment, discards gathered from blasting operations should be collected and
disposed of ashore.

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 2.15 E-waste

2.14 Biofouling waste from cleaning sea water intakes and internal sea water cooling systems
Biofouling on ships entering waters of coastal regions may result in the establishment of invasive aquatic
species which may pose threats to human, animal and plant life, economic and cultural activities and the
aquatic environment. There are facilities available to capture the residues when the biofouling on ships’ hulls
is removed by the external in-water cleaning contractors. This is then disposed of in accordance with the local
requirements by the contractors. However, no clear guidelines are available when such waste is generated
during the regular maintenance activity onboard such as the cleaning of sea water intakes and sea water
cooling systems.

It is recognised that the amount of waste generated is of minimal quantity and would mainly consist of sea
weeds and/or inactive aquatic organisms which should not pose any imminent threat to the environment. As
a precautionary measure however, it is recommended that such waste may be disposed of in areas complying
with the minimum depth and distance described by Regulation B-4 of the IMO’s International Convention for
the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004, i.e. disposal should only take place
at least 50nm from the nearest land and in water at least 200 metres in depth.

Since biofouling waste is not categorised as Garbage under Annex V of MARPOL, such disposal may be
reflected in the Biofouling Record Book, being maintained in accordance with the Biofouling Management
Plan. If a reference is desirable by the company or suggested by the administration, the category ‘F’ of the
Garbage Record Book offers a logical record keeping coding for biofouling residues.

2.15 E-waste
The IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) agreed to amend the definition of E-waste which
is included in the 2017 Guidelines for the Implementation of MARPOL Annex V (Resolution MEPC.295(71)).
The definition is provided:

E-waste means electrical and electronic equipment used for the normal operation of the ship or in the
accommodation spaces, including all components, subassemblies and consumables, which are part of the
equipment at the time of discarding, with the presence of material potentially hazardous to human health
and/or the environment.

E-waste contains both valuable materials as well as hazardous materials which require special handling and
recycling methods.

Classification of E-waste by the place of origin:

• Big household appliances – Refrigerators, freezers, refrigeration showcases, washing machines,

dishwashers, clothes dryers, electric ovens, microwaves, heaters, electric radiators, ventilators, air
conditioners, boilers.

• Small household appliances – Vacuum cleaners, sewing machines, irons, toasters, fryers, mills, coffee
machines, electric knives, hair dryers, watches, measuring devices.

• IT and telecommunication equipment – PCs, PDA devices, laptops, printers, copy machines, calculators,
telefaxes, telephones, cell phones, answering machines.

• Electric and electronic power tools – Drills, saws, equipment for grinding, sanding, polishing, scraping,
cutting, dowelling, welding, soldering.

• Medical devices – Radiotherapy equipment, cardiac devices, equipment for analysis, cooling, testing.

• Monitoring and surveillance equipment – Smoke detectors, heating regulators, thermostats, measuring
equipment, equipment for scaling, calibration.

• Machines – hot drink machines, bottling machines.

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2. Guidance

Handling:
E-waste generated on board (e.g. electronic cards, gadgets, instruments, equipment, computers, printer
cartridges, etc.) should be stored on board as a separate category and delivered ashore for recycling or
withdrawn depending on the part/component. When PC and information systems are to be discarded, efforts
should be made to ensure that the ship’s data and company’s/vessel’s confidential information has been treated
properly prior to being landed ashore as to deter cyber threats.

Note that some printer/toner cartridges do not contain any electronic components and may more appropriately
be stored as chemical waste.

2.15.1 Fluorescent light-tubes and light-bulbs

Fluorescent light-tubes and light-bulbs contain mercury. As per section 2.4.3 of the 2017 Guidelines, garbage
that might present a hazard to the ship or crew such as light bulbs should be separated. Once separated, these
lamps should be stored at a location and in such a manner that they are not broken or smashed so as to avoid
the release of mercury vapour. High intensity discharge lamps should be treated as fluorescent tubes.

14 INTERTANKO Guidance on Waste Management for Tankers

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 3. Record keeping

3. Record keeping
A summary of the Garbage Record Book categories for the waste streams in Section 2 of this Guide are
provided below:

Type of waste GRB Category Notes

Used wires, ropes and tails F

Expired pyrotechnics F

Expired or used batteries I

Boiler/economiser wash down See separate INTERTANKO

F
water guidance.
Incinerator ashes E
Oily rags F

Drums and cans previously

containing lube oil, chemicals and F
paint

Used cooking oil D

Medical waste C
Expired medicines including
C
narcotics

Maintenance waste such as hydro

F
blasting and sand blasting wastes
If the vessel has a Biofouling
Biofouling waste from cleaning Management Plan (BMP) then it
sea water intakes and internal sea F should also be recorded in the
water cooling systems Biofouling Record Book as part of
the BMP.
Fluorescent light-tubes and light-
I
bulbs
E-waste I
Empty aerosol canisters (including
C
single-use span gas cylinders)

While it is not mandatory to identify the storage locations and capacities for each category of waste collected
on board, some Class Societies and port State control authorities are requesting that this information is included
in the Garbage Management Plan.

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4. Adequacy of port reception facilities

4. Adequacy of port reception facilities

One of the stumbling blocks to ensuring a sound environmental management system in terms of garbage is
the delivery to a shore reception facility. In this respect, the quality of service provided by the port reception
facility operator can determine the success of the company’s environmental and Garbage Management Plan.

In 2014, the IMO launched its Consolidated Guidance for Port Reception Facility Providers and Users. While
the IMO PRF Guide sets a good foundation for establishing procedures for ships and ports, there are additional
options available to owners who may wish to ensure that waste can be received at every port call, without
delay. This may involve contracting a waste facility and management company that can provide a network of
facilities at the ports and terminals where a company’s vessels frequently trade.

While this may not suit every vessel type in all trade routes, vessels with more regular and predictable trade
patterns can benefit from knowing that at each port call, all waste types can be appropriately landed ashore
and managed. This may not only provide an operational advantage in being predictable and convenient, but
also removes some of the financial unpredictability that can occur when more difficult waste streams have to
be landed ashore.

In the event that a vessel cannot discharge waste at a port waste reception facility, INTERTANKO strongly
encourages the Master and/or company to file a report to its flag Administration with a copy to INTERTANKO.
The standardised format for submitting an alleged inadequacy report can be found on the INTERTANKO
website:

http://www.INTERTANKO.com/Topics/Environment/Reception-Facilities/

The Consolidated Guidance for Port Reception Facility Providers and Users can also be found on the INTERTANKO
website using the same link above.

To facilitate transparency in the delivery and receipt of ship-generated waste, many countries, in particular in
the European Union where it is mandatory, require the submission of an Advanced Notification Form (ANF)
at least 24 hours prior to entering a port. This provides details of the ship’s intended delivery to a reception
facility. In return and to complete the chain of custody, Masters should request a Waste Delivery Receipt
(WDR) for all waste landed ashore. Both documents have standard, internationally-recognised formats and
can be found on the Port Reception Facilities page of INTERTANKO’s website, as above.

5. Reference documents
The following reference documents have been made available on the INTERTANKO website (http://www.
INTERTANKO.com/Topics/Environment/Reception-Facilities/) with the exception of the ISO 21070:2017 which
should be obtained from ISO (www.iso.org):

• Revised MARPOL Annex V 2011 (Resolution MEPC.201(62))

• Guidelines for the Implementation of MARPOL Annex V (Resolution MEPC.295(71))

• Consolidated Guidance for Port Reception Facility Providers and Users (MEPC.1/Circ.834/Rev.1)

• Standard for the Management and handling of shipboard garbage (ISO 21070:2017)

16 INTERTANKO Guidance on Waste Management for Tankers

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 Annex I

Annex I
Simplified overview of the discharge provisions of the revised MARPOL Annex V for tankers
(as adapted from IMO general guidance)

Garbage type Outside special areas Within special areas At anchorage Ships drifting
or at berth
(Distances are from (Distances are from
the nearest land or nearest land or
nearest ice-shelf or nearest ice-shelf or
nearest fast ice) nearest fast ice)
Food waste Discharge permitted as Discharge permitted as
comminuted or far as practicable but far as practicable but
ground not less than 3 nm from not less than 12 nm Discharge Discharge
the nearest land and en from the nearest land prohibited prohibited
route. Except in Arctic and en route. Except
Waters. in Antarctic Waters.
Food waste not Discharge permitted as
comminuted or far as practicable but not
ground less than 12 nm from Discharge Discharge Discharge
the nearest land and en prohibited prohibited prohibited
route. Except in Arctic
Waters.
All other garbage Discharge Discharge
Discharge prohibited Discharge prohibited
prohibited prohibited

Arctic Waters: Discharge into the sea of food wastes is only permitted when the ship is as far as practicable
from areas of ice concentration exceeding 1/10, but in any case not less than 12 nautical miles from the nearest
land, nearest ice-shelf, or nearest fast ice. Food waste shall not be discharged onto the ice.

Antarctic Waters: Discharge into the sea of food wastes is only permitted when the ship is as far as practicable
from areas of ice concentration exceeding 1/10, but in any case not less than 12 nautical miles from nearest
fast ice. Food waste shall not be discharged onto the ice.

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Annex II

Annex II
Relevant definitions contained in MARPOL Annex V, Regulations for the
Prevention by Garbage from Ships

Regulation 1

Definitions

For the purposes of this Annex:

3. Cooking oil means any type of edible oil or animal fat used or intended to be used for the preparation or
cooking of food, but does not include the food itself that is prepared using these oils.

4. Domestic wastes means all types of wastes not covered by other Annexes that are generated in the
accommodation spaces on board the ship. Domestic wastes does not include grey water.

8. Food wastes means any spoiled or unspoiled food substances and includes fruits, vegetables, dairy products,
poultry, meat products and food scraps generated aboard ship.

9. Garbage means all kinds of food wastes, domestic wastes and operational wastes, all plastics, cargo residues,
cooking oil, fishing gear, and animal carcasses generated during the normal operation of the ship and liable
to be disposed of continuously or periodically except those substances which are defined or listed in other
Annexes to the present Convention. Garbage does not include fresh fish and parts thereof generated as a
result of fishing activities undertaken during the voyage, or as a result of aquaculture activities which involve
the transport of fish including shellfish for placement in the aquaculture facility and the transport of harvested
fish including shellfish from such facilities to shore for processing.

10. Incinerator ashes means ash and clinkers resulting from shipboard incinerators used for the incineration
of garbage.

12. Operational wastes means all solid wastes (including slurries) not covered by other Annexes that are
collected on board during normal maintenance or operations of a ship, or used for cargo stowage and
handling. Operational wastes also includes cleaning agents and additives contained in cargo hold and external
wash water. Operational wastes does not include grey water, bilge water, or other similar discharges essential
to the operation of a ship, taking into account the guidelines developed by the Organization. *

13. Plastic means a solid material which contains as an essential ingredient one or more high molecular mass
polymers and which is formed (shaped) during either manufacture of the polymer or the fabrication into a
finished product by heat and/or pressure. Plastics have material properties ranging from hard and brittle to soft
and elastic. For the purposes of this annex, "all plastics" means all garbage that consists of or includes plastic
in any form, including synthetic ropes, synthetic fishing nets, plastic garbage bags and incinerator ashes from
plastic products.

* INTERTANKO Comment: To avoid this definition being taken out of context, please note that this definition
does not include tank washings or cargo residues from an oil or chemical tanker. 

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 Annex III

Annex III
Relevant definitions contained in the 2017 Guidelines for the Implementation of
MARPOL Annex V, MEPC.295(71)

1.6 Definitions
1.6.1 Dishwater means the residue from the manual or automatic washing of dishes and cooking utensils
which have been pre-cleaned to the extent that any food particles adhering to them would not normally
interfere with the operation of automatic dishwashers.

1.6.2 E-waste means electrical and electronic equipment used for the normal operation of the ship or in the
accommodation spaces, including all components, subassemblies and consumables, which are part of the
equipment at the time of discarding, with the presence of material potentially hazardous to human health
and/or the environment.

1.6.3 Grey water means drainage from dishwater, shower, laundry, bath and washbasin drains. It does not
include drainage from toilets, urinals, hospitals and animal spaces, as defined in regulation 1.3 of MARPOL
Annex IV (sewage) and drainage from cargo spaces. Grey water is not considered garbage in the context of
MARPOL Annex V.

1.6.4 Recycling means the activity of segregating and recovering components and materials for reprocessing.

1.6.5 Reuse means the activity of recovering components and materials for further use without reprocessing.

1.7 Application
1.7.1 This section provides clarification as to what should and should not be considered garbage under
MARPOL Annex V.

1.7.2 Ash and clinkers from shipboard incinerators and coal-burning boilers should be considered as operational
wastes within the meaning of regulation 1.12 of MARPOL Annex V, and therefore are included in the term
garbage, within the meaning of regulation 1.9 of MARPOL Annex V.

1.7.3 The definition of "operational wastes" (regulation 1.12 of MARPOL Annex V) excludes grey water, bilge
water, or other similar discharges essential to the operation of a ship. "Other similar discharges" essential to
the operation of a ship include, but are not limited to the following:

• boiler/economizer blowdown;

• boat engine wet exhaust;

• chain locker effluent;

• controllable pitch propeller and thruster hydraulic fluid and other oil to sea interfaces (e.g. thruster
bearings, stabilisers, rudder bearings, etc.);distillation/reverse osmosis brine;

• elevator pit effluent;

• firemain systems water;

• freshwater layup;

• gas turbine wash water;

• motor gasoline and compensating discharge;

INTERTANKO Guidance on Waste Management for Tankers  19

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Annex III

Relevant definitions contained in the 2017 Guidelines for the Implementation of

MARPOL Annex V, MEPC.295(71) Cont...

• machinery wastewater;

• pool, spa water and recreational waters;

• sonar dome discharge; and

• welldeck discharges.

1.7.4 While cleaning agents and additives contained in hold wash water, and deck and external surface wash
water are considered "operational wastes" and thus "garbage" under Annex V, these cleaning agents and
additives may be discharged into the sea so long as they are not harmful to the marine environment.

1.7.5 A cleaning agent or additive is considered not harmful to the marine environment if it:

.1 is not a "harmful substance" in accordance with the criteria in MARPOL Annex III; and

.2 does not contain any components which are known to be carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic (CMR).

1.7.6 The ship's record should contain evidence provided by the producer of the cleaning agent or additive
that the product meets the criteria for not being harmful to the marine environment. To provide an assurance
of compliance, a dated and signed statement to this effect from the product supplier would be adequate for
the purposes of a ship's record. This might form part of a Safety Data Sheet or be a stand-alone document but
this should be left to the discretion of the producer concerned.

20 INTERTANKO Guidance on Waste Management for Tankers

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Annex IV
Identification of plastics and associated management options
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION
Number 1 Plastics
PET or PETE (polyethylene
terephthalate)
Found in: Soft drink, water
and beer bottles; mouthwash
bottles, peanut butter containers,
salad dressing and vegetable oil
containers, ovenable food trays.
Number 2 Plastics
HDPE (high density polyethylene)
Found in: Milk jugs, juice bottles,
bleach, detergent and household
cleaner bottles, shampoo bottles,
some trash and shopping bags,
motor oil bottles, butter and
yogurt tubs, cereal box liners.
Number 3 Plastics
V (Vinyl) or PVC
Found in: Window cleaner and
detergent bottles, shampoo
bottles, cooking oil bottles, clear
food packaging, wire jacketing,
medical equipment, siding,
windows, piping.
INTERTANKO Guidance on Waste Management for Tankers 
(2nd Edition)
Annex IV
REMARKS
PET plastics are the most common
for single-use bottled beverages,
because it is inexpensive,
lightweight and easy to recycle.
Laundry detergent bottles, oil
bottles, pens, recycling containers,
floor tiles, drainage pipes, lumber,
benches, doghouses, picnic
tables, fencing. HDPE is a versatile
plastic with many uses, especially
for packaging. It poses no risk of
leaching harmful chemicals and
is readily recyclable into many
goods.
Decks, panelling, flooring, cables,
mats. PVC is tough and weathers
well, so it is commonly used
for piping, siding and similar
applications. PVC contains
chlorine, so its manufacture can
release highly dangerous dioxins.
If you must cook with PVC, try to
avoid the plastic touching food.
DO NOT INCINERATE
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Number 3 plastics may release
toxic breakdown products into
food and drinks. Avoid number 3
plastics for food and drinks. The
risk is higher when containers
start wearing out, are put through
the dishwasher or when they are
heated (including microwaved).
21
Annex IV
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION
Number 4 Plastics
LDPE (low density polyethylene)
Found in: Squeezable bottles,
bread, frozen food, dry cleaning
and shopping bags, tote bags,
clothing, furniture, carpet.
Number 5 Plastics
PP (polypropylene)
Found in: Some yogurt containers, point, and so is often chosen for
syrup bottles, ketchup bottles,
caps, straws, medicine bottles.
Number 6 Plastics
PS (polystyrene)
Found in: Disposable plates and
cups, meat trays, egg cartons,
carry-out containers, aspirin
bottles, compact disc cases.
Number 7 Plastics
Miscellaneous
Found in: Three- and five-gallon
water bottles, 'bullet-proof'
materials, sunglasses, DVDs, iPod
and computer cases, signs and
displays, certain food containers,
nylon.
22 INTERTANKO Guidance on Waste Management for Tankers
REMARKS
Trash can litres and cans, compost
bins, shipping envelopes,
panelling, and lumber. LDPE
is a flexible plastic with many
applications. It poses little to no
risk of leaching harmful chemicals
and is recyclable.
Signal lights, battery cables,
brooms, brushes, auto battery
cases, ice scrapers, pallets, trays.
Polypropylene has a high melting
containers that must accept hot
liquid. It poses little to no risk of
leaching harmful chemicals and is
recyclable.
Evidence suggests polystyrene can
leach potential toxins into foods.
Number 6 plastics can release
potentially toxic breakdown
products (including styrene, also
known as vinyl benzene and
phenyl ethene) particularly when
heated.
Number 6 plastics are difficult
to recycle and can therefore be
incinerated.
Plastic lumber, custom–made
products. A wide variety of plastic
resins that don’t fit into the
previous categories are lumped
into number 7. A few are even
made from plants (Polyactide,
known as thermoplastic aliphatic
polyester) and are compostable
and recyclable.
(2nd Edition)
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USA
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Athens 10 562
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