1. Maryland Clean Boating Lesson Plan
Section 3
WASTE CONTAINMENT AND DISPOSAL
Time Required: 10 minutes
Objective: For participants to learn and adopt appropriate methods of waste disposal.
Handout
Clean Boating Tip Sheet: Petroleum Control
Additional Resources
“Save our Seas” placard
Maryland Environment Service’s hotline RECYCLE
Maryland Department of the Environment’s web site:

2. Waste Containment and Disposal: Environmental Concerns
Marine animals become entangled in or choke on plastic debris.
Plastics can snare propellers and clog engine intake systems.
Divers can also be entangled.
Environmental Concerns
Solid waste, particularly plastics, must be contained. There are many well-documented instances of marine mammals, fish, turtles, and seabirds that have become entangled in or choked on plastic marine debris. Plastic bags often look like jellyfish to animals who eat them.
Plastics also represent a hazard to boats as they can snare propellers and clog engine intake systems.
Divers can also be hurt.
Trash that washes up on shore is unattractive and may be costly to remove.

3. Some Laws about Trash from Boats
“Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act” = No trash overboard.
Illegal to discharge plastic materials into any water body.
Other types of garbage restricted according to how far a vessel is out to sea.
Remember: It is illegal to put any trash in Maryland waters.
The Law
The Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act of 1987 (MPPRCA), Title II of Public Law , restricts the overboard discharge of garbage. Its primary emphasis is on plastics; it is illegal to discharge plastic materials into any waterbody.
The disposal of other types of garbage is restricted according to how far a vessel is out to sea. The important thing to remember is that within the Chesapeake and coastal bays, along rivers, and on inland lakes, the discharge of any garbage into the water is illegal. Fish guts are an exception. The discharge of fish waste into Maryland waters is not desirable, however.

4. Waste Containment and Disposal: Limitations at Sea
Within U.S. lakes, rivers, bays, sounds and within 3 nautical miles from the ocean shore, it is illegal to dump anything other than fish waste.
Between 3 and 12 nautical miles from shore, it is illegal to dump plastic and any other garbage that is greater than one inch in size.
Between 12 and 25 nautical miles from shore, it is illegal to dump plastic and dunnage, i.e, lining and packing material, nets, lines, etc.
Beyond 25 nautical miles, it is illegal to dump plastic.
Vessels 26 feet or larger must display a permanent placard, in a conspicuous place, which outlines this law. The placards are easily found at most marine retail stores. They are very inexpensive.

5. Contain Trash On Board Don’t let trash get thrown or blown overboard.
If trash blows overboard, retrieve it.
Pack food in reusable containers.
Buy products without plastic or excessive packaging.
Buy drinks in recyclable containers and recycle them.
Dispose of all trash on shore.
Don’t toss cigarette butts overboard! They are made of plastic.
Review tips on slide; meeting the law is easy.

6. Waste Containment and Disposal: Recycle
Cans, glass, newspaper, antifreeze, oil, oil filters, lead batteries and monofilament fishing line can all be recycled.
Many marinas accept some or all of these items.
If you need a recycling location, call
RECYCLE.

7. Fish Cleaning
Use fish cleaning stations plumbed to the sewer when available.
Take the fish home to clean
If you clean them at the dock, bag the waste and put in a dumpster.
Don’t clean fish over shallow waters.
Dumping fish scraps into shallow water is bad for the water.
Bacteria break down the scraps, and remove oxygen from the water.
Fish cleaning may pose a problem if the scraps are discarded into poorly flushed or shallow waters. Fish waste is smelly and unsightly.
Also, oxygen is removed from the water column as bacteria decompose the innards.
Review the slide.

8. Maintenance Waste Oil: Recycle Antifreeze: Recycle
Paint and Varnish: Share leftovers if possible. If not, allow to dry completely (i.e., solidify). Dispose in regular trash.
Solvents, Gas, and Pesticides: Bring to a household hazardous waste collection day.
Expired Emergency Flares: Bring to local fire department or a household hazardous waste collection day.
Dispose of the following items according to the recommendations listed above.
Call RECYCLE for recycling center locations or visit for the names and numbers of local recycling and hazardous waste coordinators.

9. Waste Containment and Disposal: Maintenance Waste
Call RECYCLE for recycling center locations.
Used motor oil and antifreeze and household hazardous waste:
Call RECYCLE for recycling center locations or visit for the names and numbers of local recycling and hazardous waste coordinators.