Garbage Management Plan - 1st Edition (2026)

This publication provides a combined management plan and record-keeping system for the collection, segregation, storage, processing and disposal of shipboard garbage on ships. It has been prepared to satisfy the requirements of MARPOL Annex V, Regulation 10.2 (garbage management plans) and Regulation 10.3 (garbage record books), as amended. The Plan incorporates all current amendments, including Resolution MEPC.277(70) (the eleven-category garbage classification and two-part Garbage Record Book format, in force 1 March 2018) and Resolution MEPC.360(79) (extension of the Garbage Record Book requirement to ships of 100 GT and above, in force 1 May 2024).

This publication is a combined Garbage Management Plan and Garbage Record Book designed for use on board ships and platforms subject to the applicable requirements of MARPOL Annex V. It provides the ship-specific management plan, operational procedures, reference appendices and record pages needed to satisfy MARPOL Annex V, Regulation 10 in a single document.
Sections 1-4 set out the core international requirements under MARPOL Annex V, define the objectives and scope of the Plan, present the MARPOL Annex V garbage categories and assign garbage management duties from the Master through to individual crew members.
Section 5 contains tables for recording the ship's actual garbage stations, storage facilities, bin locations, responsible departments and emptying frequencies.
Section 6 addresses waste reduction at source. It includes a procurement controls checklist covering bulk packaging, single-use plastic, supplier take-back arrangements and quarantine-sensitive waste.
Section 7 establishes the minimum segregation standard for each waste stream, the collection procedure, receptacle marking requirements and additional handling considerations.
Section 8 covers the operation and maintenance of compactors, comminutors, incinerators and cold storage.
Section 9 specifies storage standards, a formula for estimating minimum storage capacity, and a weekly verification checklist covering food waste containment and storage area cleanliness.
Section 10 provides the detailed discharge matrix for all eleven garbage categories, distinguishing between operations outside and inside MARPOL special areas.
Section 11 covers port arrival waste planning, advance waste notification, delivery procedures and the retention of receipts in accordance with MEPC.1/Circ.834.
Section 12 addresses waste streams presenting environmental, fire, health or regulatory risks beyond ordinary garbage, including batteries, paint and chemical containers, oily rags, medical waste, expired pyrotechnics, e-waste and pressurised containers.
Section 13 -- Training, Drills and Familiarisation provides a new joiner familiarisation checklist and a periodic training programme covering MARPOL Annex V awareness.
Section 14 includes an inspection readiness checklist aligned to common port State control, flag State, company audit and port health inspection expectations.
Section 15 contains six appendices and forms.
Section 16 contains the Part I record pages for all ships, covering Categories A to I. Record pages are provided for routine discharges under MARPOL Annex V Regulations 4, 5 and 6 and for exceptional discharges or accidental losses under Regulation 7.
Section 17 applies to ships carrying solid bulk cargoes. It includes a cargo declaration and HME status verification checklist, and a cargo residue decision table distinguishing between HME and non-HME residues and between operations inside and outside special areas.
Section 18 -- Garbage Record Book, Part II contains the Part II record pages for cargo residues (Categories J and K), required for ships carrying solid bulk cargoes.

Systematic use of this Garbage Management Plan Record Book enables the Master and responsible officers to:
- Demonstrate compliance with MARPOL Annex V during port State control inspections, flag State surveys, company audits and Class attendance.
- Maintain an auditable trail of all garbage discharges, incinerations, receptions and accidental losses as required by Regulation 10.3.
- Verify that no garbage is discharged at sea unless all applicable conditions are positively confirmed.
- Support the ship's safety management system by integrating garbage management with purchasing, galley hygiene, maintenance, cargo operations, fire prevention and pest control.

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