Marine Pollution Regulations 2003

Section 38 of the Act does not apply in relation to a disposal of garbage that is food waste, paper products, rags, glass, metal, bottles and similar refuse (but not dunnage, lining or packing materials that will float or plastics) if the ship is:

as far as practicable and not less than 12 n miles from the nearest land; and

not alongside or within 500 m of a fixed or floating platform engaged in the exploration, exploitation or associated offshore processing of seabed mineral resources.

If garbage referred to in subregulation (1) is passed through a comminutor or grinder so that it is capable of passing through a screen with openings no greater than 25 mm, the disposal may be made when the ship is as far as practicable and not less than 3 n miles from the nearest land.

The release of small quantities of food waste for the specific purpose of fish feeding in connection with fishing or tourist operations is not included as garbage for the purposes of this regulation or section 38 of the Act.