ISO/FDIS 21070

• Abstract:

  ISO 21070:2017 specifies procedures for the shipboard management of garbage, including handling, collection, separation, marking, treatment, and storage. It also describes the ship-to-shore interface and the delivery of garbage from the ship to the port reception facility. MARPOL, Annex V sets the minimum standard for garbage management that apply to ships. ISO 21070:2017 applies to the management and handling of shipboard garbage during the period the garbage will be on board. The definition of garbage in this document is as defined in MARPOL, Annex V.

• Status: Not Published
• ICS: 13.020.99 - Other standards related to environmental protection
• ICS: 47.020.99 - Other standards related to shipbuilding and marine structures
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 8/SC 2 - Marine environment protection
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 8/SC 2/WG 4 - Management of ship waste
• Current Stage: 5020 - FDIS ballot initiated: 2 months. Proof sent to secretariat
• Start Date: 08-Sep-2026
• Completion Date: 08-Sep-2026

• Revises: ISO 21070:2017 - Ships and marine technology — Marine environment protection — Management and handling of shipboard garbage
• Effective Date: 09-Sep-2023
• Revises: ISO 21070:2017/Amd 1:2022 - Ships and marine technology — Marine environment protection — Management and handling of shipboard garbage — Amendment 1: Updates to classification of garbage
• Effective Date: 09-Sep-2023

Overview

ISO/FDIS 21070:2026 is a key international standard addressing the management and handling of shipboard garbage to protect the marine environment. Developed by ISO Technical Committee 8, this standard outlines requirements and recommended practices for handling, collection, segregation, marking, treatment, storage, and ship-to-shore delivery of waste generated on board ships. ISO 21070 supports compliance with international legislation, especially MARPOL Annex V, which sets the minimum requirements for garbage management on ships. By following this standard, shipping companies can ensure effective waste reduction, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance during onboard garbage storage and disposal.

Key Topics

• Shipboard Garbage Management Procedures

  • Comprehensive guidelines for the collection, segregation, and handling of ship-generated waste
  • Procedures cover plastics, food waste, domestic waste, cargo residues, operational waste, medical waste, and more

• Classification and Segregation

  • Clear categorization of garbage as per MARPOL Annex V
  • Use of color codes and standardized labels for easy identification and efficient waste segregation

• Collection and Storage

  • Requirements for onboard collection containers positioned near waste generation points
  • Specifications for dedicated garbage storage sites, including safety, accessibility, and hygiene provisions

• Onboard Processing and Offloading

  • Recommendations for minimizing cross-contamination and enabling recycling
  • Safe and efficient transfer of waste to port reception facilities, including guidance on minimizing manual handling

• Garbage Management Plans and Documentation

  • Development and implementation of waste management plans tailored to vessel type, voyage duration, and crew size
  • Recordkeeping, including segregation by MARPOL Annex V categories and maintaining a Garbage Record Book

• Health, Safety, and Environmental Protection

  • Emphasis on minimizing hazards to crew and environment arising from waste handling and storage

Applications

Implementing ISO 21070 is critical for:

• Ship Operators and Owners

  • Ensuring regulatory compliance and best practice in marine waste management
  • Facilitating smooth inspections and audits by flag and port state authorities
  • Reducing liability risks related to illegal discharge or improper waste handling

• Port Authorities and Reception Facilities

  • Streamlining the ship-to-shore interface for waste delivery
  • Facilitating efficient offloading and processing of segregated shipboard waste

• Environmental Management and Sustainability

  • Supporting sustainable shipping by preventing marine pollution
  • Promoting the reduction, reuse, and recycling of waste as part of the “prevention before recycling before disposal” hierarchy

• Design and Construction of Ships

  • Incorporating compliant waste storage, handling, and safety features into new vessel designs

Related Standards

ISO 21070 is complemented by other international standards and conventions, including:

• MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships), Annex V

  • Primary legal instrument setting minimum standards for shipboard waste management

• ISO 16304: Ships and marine technology - Marine environment protection - Arrangement and management of port reception facilities

  • Guidance for onshore facilities receiving ship-generated waste

• ISO 14001: Environmental management systems

  • Framework for broader environmental management and performance improvement

• IMO Resolutions and Guidelines

  • MEPC.220(63): Guidelines for the development of garbage management plans
  • MEPC.277(70): Guidelines for the assessment of solid bulk cargoes for harmfulness

By implementing ISO/FDIS 21070 in combination with these related standards, maritime stakeholders can improve operational efficiency, meet compliance obligations, and contribute to a cleaner marine environment.

Keywords: ISO 21070, shipboard garbage, marine environment protection, MARPOL Annex V, garbage management, ship waste handling, port reception facility, maritime standards, marine pollution prevention

FINAL DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/TC 8/SC 2
Ships and marine technology —
Secretariat: ANSI
Marine environment protection
Voting begins on:
— Management and handling of
2026-09-08
shipboard garbage
Voting terminates on:
2026-11-03
Navires et technologie marine — Protection de l'environnement
marin — Gestion et manutention des déchets à bord du navire
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE
TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL
TO BECOME STAN DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE
MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
Reference number
FINAL DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/TC 8/SC 2
Ships and marine technology —
Secretariat: ANSI
Marine environment protection
Voting begins on:
— Management and handling of
shipboard garbage
Voting terminates on:
Navires et technologie marine — Protection de l'environnement
marin — Gestion et manutention des déchets à bord du navire
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
© ISO 2026
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
TO BECOME STAN DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE
MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland Reference number
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
3.1 General terms .1
3.2 Terms relating to garbage .2
4 Requirements . 3
4.1 General .3
4.2 Classification of garbage and residues .4
4.3 Colour codes .5
4.4 Cargo residues and operational waste from cargo stowage and handling operations .6
4.5 Collection and segregation of garbage .6
4.5.1 General .6
4.5.2 On-board collection containers .6
4.6 Storage .6
4.6.1 General .6
4.6.2 Storage containers .6
4.7 On-board processing of garbage .8
4.8 Offloading of garbage .9
5 Garbage management . 9
5.1 Garbage management plans .9
5.2 Garbage volume .9
5.3 Garbage management techniques .9
5.3.1 General .9
5.3.2 Discharge into the sea .10
5.4 Facilities to offload garbage .10
5.5 Documentation .10
5.6 Garbage minimization .11
5.7 Garbage management audits . . 12
Annex A (informative) Examples of calculating the expected amount of waste .13
Annex B (informative) Overview of the amounts of waste generated, drivers and treatment
methods .15
Annex C (informative) Examples of processing techniques used on board ships to reduce the
volume of garbage.16
Annex D (informative) Example of a garbage data sheet for use in waste auditing .18
Bibliography . 19

iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO TC 8, Ships and marine technology, Subcommittee
SC 2, Marine environment protection.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 21070:2017), which has been technically
revised. It also incorporates the Amendment ISO 21070:2017/Amd 1:2022.
The main changes are as follows:
— revisions to MARPOL made after the publication of second edition are incorporated into this document.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
Introduction
[2]
The management of shipboard garbage is extensively controlled by MARPOL, Annex V. Additionally,
States party to the MARPOL Convention have undertaken regional and national implementing legislation to
regulate and enforce provisions for handling ships’ waste and for providing adequate reception facilities at
ports and terminals subject to Parties' flag state and port state control authorities.
[2]
This document has been prepared to reflect the amendments of MARPOL, Annex V adopted in January
2013 and October 2016.
This document provides for the minimization, management and segregation of a ship’s garbage, so that it
can be managed onboard and offloaded efficiently to the relevant reception facilities onshore.
To obtain the most efficient management of waste and to reduce the time and resource burden in segregating
and handling waste on the ship and in the ports, the concept of waste minimization has been integrated
into this document by incorporating the following basic principle: prevention before recycling before energy
recovery before disposal.
This document concentrates on:
— the prevention, elimination and minimization of waste prior to sailing;
— the minimization of waste at the source on the ship;
— garbage collection at the source;
— the waste segregation on the ship into defined categories that are recognized globally and fit into many
different waste categorization systems around the world;
— waste minimization once segregated;
— waste storage on board the ship;
— the health and safety concerns surrounding the handling, storage and offloading of waste.
Both ship owners and coastal states are more aware of the importance of well-organized and -managed
waste collection and its benefits, especially with respect to health and safety on board ships, the reduction of
pollution and the potential cost benefits for ship owners and national governments. This document provides
a fixed standard for segregated garbage that any harbour facility worldwide can expect when a ship arrives
in port. However, it cannot work alone. This document is expected to be used in conjunction with ISO 16304.
[1]
This document does not consider the various (and numerous) shore-side waste handling systems that
exist, but can encourage the provision of recycling facilities for shipboard waste in ports.

v
FINAL DRAFT International Standard ISO/FDIS 21070:2026(en)
Ships and marine technology — Marine environment
protection — Management and handling of shipboard
garbage
1 Scope
This document specifies procedures for the shipboard management of garbage, including handling,
collection, separation, marking, treatment and storage. It also describes the ship-to-shore interface and the
delivery of garbage from the ship to the port reception facility. This document applies to the management
and handling of shipboard garbage during the period while the garbage is on board.
[2]
NOTE MARPOL, Annex V sets the minimum standard for garbage management that apply to ships.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1 General terms
3.1.1
discharge
any release, however caused, from a ship including any escape, disposal, spilling, leaking, pumping, emitting
or emptying
[2]
[SOURCE: MARPOL Article 2 (3)(a) ]
3.1.2
hazardous waste
waste which, due to its nature, physical, chemical or infectious properties, is potentially hazardous to human
health or the environment, or both, during use, handling, storage or transportation, including any materials
which require special handling, disposal or recycling techniques to eliminate or reduce the hazard
3.1.3
port reception facility
PRF
any fixed, floating or mobile facility capable of receiving MARPOL residues/wastes from ships and fit for
that purpose
Note 1 to entry: For the purposes of this document, this relates to reception facilities for garbage as defined by
[2]
MARPOL, Annex V. An adequate port reception facility is a facility that mariners use and fully meets the needs of
the ships regularly using it and the port and does not provide mariners with a disincentive to use it. Furthermore, it
should contribute to the improvement of the marine environment. It should also allow for the ultimate disposal of
ships’ wastes to take place in an environmentally appropriate way.

[ ]
[SOURCE: Circular MEPC.1/Circ.834/Rev.1, 9 modified — note 1 to entry has been added.]
3.1.4
recycling
any recovery operation by which waste materials are reprocessed into products, materials or substances
whether for the original or other purposes
Note 1 to entry: It includes the reprocessing of organic material but does not include energy recovery and the
reprocessing into materials that are to be used as fuels or for backfilling operations.
3.1.5
reuse
any operation by which products or components that are not waste are used again for the same purpose for
which they were conceived
3.2 Terms relating to garbage
3.2.1
cargo residue
remnants of any cargo material which are not covered by other annexes to the MARPOL Convention and
which remain on the deck or in holds following loading or unloading, including loading and unloading excess
or spillage, whether in wet or dry conditions or entrained in wash water, but do not include cargo dust
remaining on the deck after sweeping or dust on the external surfaces of the ship
Note 1 to entry: Dry bulk cargo residues can include substances that are harmful to the marine environment (HME)
with special restrictions for discharges (3.1.1) including HME entrained in cargo hold wash water. Port reception
facilities (3.1.4) for cargo residues considered to be HME can be required at loading or discharge ports handling bulk
dry cargoes.
3.2.2
domestic waste
all types of waste not covered by other annexes to the MARPOL Convention that are generated in the
accommodation spaces on board the ship
Note 1 to entry: Domestic wastes do not include grey water.
[2]
[SOURCE: MARPOL Annex V, reg. 1.4 ]
3.2.3
garbage
all kinds of food waste, domestic waste (3.2.2) and operational waste (3.2.5), all plastics (3.2.10), cargo residue
(3.2.1), 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 MARPOL Convention
Note 1 to entry: 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.
[2]
[SOURCE: MARPOL Annex V reg. 1.9 ]
3.2.4
incinerator ashes
ash and clinkers resulting from shipboard incinerators used for incineration of garbage (3.2.3)
[2]
[SOURCE: MARPOL Annex V reg. 1.10 ]

3.2.5
operational waste
all solid waste (including slurries) not covered by other annexes in the MARPOL Convention that are collected
on board during normal maintenance or operations of a ship, or used for cargo stowage and handling
Note 1 to entry: Operational waste includes, but is not limited to, the following wastes associated with cargo storage
and handling: dunnage, shoring, pallets, lining, transit and packing materials, plywood, paper, cardboard, wire, plastic
wrapping and steel strapping.
Note 2 to entry: Operational waste also includes cleaning agents and additives contained in cargo holds and external
wash water.
Note 3 to entry: Operational waste does not include grey water, bilge water, or other similar discharges (3.1.1) essential
to the operation of a ship.
Note 4 to entry: Wooden material can be defined as quarantine waste in certain countries.
3.2.6
oily rag
rag which contains oil and is controlled in MARPOL, Annex I
3.2.7
maintenance waste
waste deriving from the maintenance of the ship
3.2.8
medical waste
waste generated by health care activities, ranging from used needles and syringes to soiled dressings, body
parts, diagnostic samples, blood, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and radioactive materials
Note 1 to entry: Medical waste is distinguished into two categories: infectious and non-infectious by the World Health
Organization.
3.2.9
quarantine waste
waste that requires segregation and special handling due to its potential to spread diseases or plant and
animal pests
3.2.10
plastics
solid material which contains, as an essential ingredient, one or more high molecular mass polymers, and,
which is formed (shaped) during either the manufacture of the polymer or the fabrication into a finished
product by heat and/or pressure
Note 1 to entry: Plastics have material properties ranging from hard and brittle to soft and elastic.
Note 2 to entry: For the purpose of this document, plastics include plastic in any form, including synthetic ropes,
synthetic fishing nets, plastic garbage (3.2.3) bags and incinerator ashes (3.2.4) from plastic products.
[2]
[SOURCE: MARPOL Annex V, reg. 1.13 ]
4 Requirements
4.1 General
This clause specifies the minimum requirements for waste treatment on board, including waste separation,
marking, collecting, storing and offloading to port reception facilities.
While it is recognized that on-board waste management should be standardized, it should be noted that
offloading procedures depend on the ports and the port reception facilities available.
NOTE For shipboard incineration, see C.5.

4.2 Classification of garbage and residues
The categories and garbage types covered in this document are listed in Table 1.
Table 1 — Categories and types of garbage and residues
MARPOL
[2]
Type Annex V Description
Category
Part 1 – For all garbage other than cargo residue
Plastics All garbage that consists of or includes plastic in any form, including synthetic ropes
A
and fishing nets. Plastics shall be retained onboard and disposed of ashore.
Food wastes B
Domestic waste C
Glass C NOTE 1 Can require separation by colours.
Paper products C
Medical waste C NOTE 2 Reference is made to the Guidelines for the Implementation of MARPOL 2012,
[7]
Annex V, section 5.2.5.
Wood C
Metal C
Cooking oil D
Incinerator ashes E NOTE 3 Incinerator ash from plastic products can contain toxic or heavy metal.
Operational wastes Examples of (non-hazardous) waste are: dunnage, shoring, pallets, lining, transit and
packing materials, plywood, paper, cardboard, wire, plastic wrapping, steel strapping
NOTE 4 Some regional or national legislations can require even further separate
identification and handling.
NOTE 5 Operational wastes can be considered hazardous. Examples of hazardous
F waste are: batteries, fluorescent lamps, garbage contaminated with hazardous
waste, and any other waste that is considered hazardous waste. This kind of waste
is handled and treated separately.
NOTE 6 Oily waste and rags contaminated with oily waste are listed in MARPOL,
[2]
Annex I.
NOTE 7 Medical waste is a separate item.
Animal carcasses G
Fishing gear H
E-waste I Examples include computers, laptops, keyboards, cell phones, portable communi-
cations devices.
EGCS residues - Residues of Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS)
NOTE 8 Ships having Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS) can have residues in
EGCS.
[2]
NOTE 9 Requirements on EGCS are given in MARPOL, Annex VI.
Part 2 – For all cargo residues
Cargo residues See 4.4.
J
(non HME) NOTE 10 Dry cargo residues can include deck or cargo hold sweepings and wash
water containing such residues.

TTabablele 1 1 ((ccoonnttiinnueuedd))
MARPOL
[2]
Type Annex V Description
Category
Cargo residues See 4.4.
(HME) Solid bulk cargoes should be assessed by the shipper as to whether or not they are
K harmful to the marine environment, and can include:
— acute aquatic toxicity;
— chronic aquatic toxicity;
— carcinogenicity;
— mutagenicity.
[6]
SOURCE: IMO Resolution MEPC.277(70).
NOTE Inexpensive and readily available standard label software and a colour printer can be useful for creating
labels/markings aboard ships, for collection and storage containers. Coloured signage/labels can be affixed to
appropriate portable containers, such as drums, boxing or bagging for retention and storage aboard. Such a colour
coding system is useful for easy identification when off-loading at a reception facility. Further, such a labelling scheme
facilitates efficient segregation of wastes, by type, for further handling and recycling by port reception facility
operators. Additional or supplemental labels can be affixed to those types of waste requiring special handling such as
hazardous, quarantine, or medical wastes and incinerator ash for ships equipped with such equipment.
Garbage that is contaminated by another category of garbage shall be handled in accordance with the more
stringent disposal requirements that are applicable.
4.3 Colour codes
Inexpensive and readily available standard label software and a colour printer may be useful for creating
labels/markings, as shown in Table 1 and according to the colour scheme in Table 2, on-board ship for
collection and storage container labelling. Coloured signage/labels can be affixed to appropriate portable
containers such as drums, boxing or bagging for retention and storage aboard. Such a colour coding
system can be useful for easy identification when offloading at a reception facility. Furthermore, such a
labelling scheme facilitates efficient segregation of wastes by type, for further handling and recycling by
port reception facility operators. Additional or supplemental labels can be affixed to those types of waste
requiring special handling such as hazardous or harmful, quarantine, or medical wastes and incinerator
ashes for ships equipped with such equipment, as appropriate.
Table 2 — Colour codes for waste
Waste Colour
Plastics Yellow
Food waste Green
Domestic waste Grey
Cooking oil —
Incinerator ashes Black
Operational waste —
Cargo residue —
Animal carcasses —
Fishing gear —
Glass Blue
Paper products White on black
Medical waste Yellow
Oil contaminated waste —
TTabablele 2 2 ((ccoonnttiinnueuedd))
Waste Colour
Wood Brown
Metal Grey
E-waste Orange
4.4 Carg
...

ISO/TC 8/SC 2/WG 4
Secretariat: ANSI
Date: 2026-01-29-08-24
Ships and marine technology — Marine environment protection —
Management and handling of shipboard garbage
Navires et technologie marine -- — Protection de l'environnement marin --— Gestion et manutention des
déchets à bord du navire
FDIS stage
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication
may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO
at the address below or ISO'sISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO Copyright Officecopyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: + 41 22 749 01 11
Email: E-mail: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland.
ii
ISO/DISFDIS 21070:20252026(en)
Contents Page
Foreword . iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
3.1 General terms . 1
3.2 Terms relating to garbage . 2
4 Requirements . 4
4.1 General. 4
4.2 Classification of garbage and residues . 4
4.3 Colour codes . 6
4.4 Cargo residues and operational waste from cargo stowage and handling operations . 6
4.5 Collection and segregation of garbage . 7
4.6 Storage . 7
4.7 On-board processing of garbage . 10
4.8 Offloading of garbage . 10
5 Garbage management . 10
5.1 Garbage management plans . 10
5.2 Garbage volume . 11
5.3 Garbage management techniques . 11
5.4 Facilities to offload garbage . 13
5.5 Documentation . 13
5.6 Garbage minimization . 13
5.7 Garbage management audits . 14
Annex A (informative) Examples of calculating the expected amount of waste . 16
Annex B (informative) Overview of the amounts of waste generated, drivers and treatment
methods . 18
Annex C (informative) Examples of processing techniques used on board ships to reduce the
volume of garbage . 19
Annex D (informative) Example of a garbage data sheet for use in waste auditing . 21
Bibliography . 22

iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types of
ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights
in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a) patent(s)
which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not
represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO TC 8, Ships and marine technology, Subcommittee
SC 2, Marine environment protection.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 21070:2017)), which has been technically
revised. It also incorporates the Amendment(s) ISO 21070:2017/Amd 1:2022.
The main changes are as follows:
— — Revisionsrevisions to MARPOL made after the publication of second edition are incorporated into this
document.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
ISO/DISFDIS 21070:20252026(en)
Introduction
[2]
The management of shipboard garbage is extensively controlled by MARPOL, Annex V. Additionally, States
party to the MARPOL Convention have undertaken regional and national implementing legislation to regulate
and enforce provisions for handling ships’ waste and for providing adequate reception facilities at ports and
terminals subject to Parties' flag state and port state control authorities.
[2]
This document has been prepared to reflect the amendments of MARPOL, Annex V adopted in January 2013
and October 2016.
This document provides for the minimization, management and segregation of a ship’s garbage, so that it can
be managed onboard and offloaded efficiently to the relevant reception facilities onshore.
To obtain the most efficient management of waste and to reduce the time and resource burden in segregating
and handling waste on the ship and in the ports, the concept of waste minimization has been integrated into
this document by incorporating the following basic principle: prevention before recycling before energy
recovery before disposal.
This document concentrates on:
— — the prevention/, elimination/ and minimization of waste prior to sailing,;
— — the minimization of waste at the source on the ship,;
— — garbage collection at the source,;
— — the waste segregation on the ship into defined categories that are recognized globally and fit into many
different waste categorization systems around the world,;
— — waste minimization once segregated,;
— — waste storage on board the ship, and;
— — the health and safety concerns surrounding the handling, storage and offloading of waste.
Both ship owners and coastal states are more aware of the importance of well-organized and -managed waste
collection and its benefits, especially with respect to health and safety on board ships, the reduction of
pollution and the potential cost benefits for ship owners and national governments. This document provides
a fixed standard for segregated garbage that any harbour facility worldwide can expect when a ship arrives in
port. However, it cannot work alone. This document is expected to be used in conjunction with ISO 16304
[1]
[1]. This document does not consider the various (and numerous) shore-side waste handling systems that
exist, but can encourage the provision of recycling facilities for shipboard waste in ports.
v
DRAFT International Standard ISO/DIS 21070:2025(en)

Ships and marine technology — Marine environment protection —
Management and handling of shipboard garbage
1 Scope
This document specifies procedures for the shipboard management of garbage, including handling, collection,
separation, marking, treatment and storage. It also describes the ship-to-shore interface and the delivery of
garbage from the ship to the port reception facility. This document applies to the management and handling
of shipboard garbage during the period while the garbage is on board.
[2]
NOTE : MARPOL, Annex V sets the minimum standard for garbage management that apply to ships.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, (MARPOL) Annex I to VI, as amended
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— — ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— — IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1 General terms
3.1.1 3.1.1
discharge
any release, however caused, from a ship including any escape, disposal, spilling, leaking, pumping, emitting
or emptying
[2]
[SOURCE: MARPOL Article 2 (3)(a) )]]
3.1.2 3.1.2
hazardous waste
waste which, due to its nature, physical, chemical or infectious properties, is potentially hazardous to human
health or the environment, or both, during use, handling, storage or transportation, including any materials
which require special handling, disposal or recycling techniques to eliminate or reduce the hazard
3.1.3 3.1.3
port reception facility
PRF
any fixed, floating or mobile facility capable of receiving MARPOL residues/wastes from ships and fit for that
purpose
[8]
[SOURCE: Circular MEPC.1/Circ.834/Rev.1 ]
Note 1 to entry: For the purposes of this document, this relates to reception facilities for garbage as defined by MARPOL,
[2]
Annex V. An adequate port reception facility is a facility that mariners use and fully meets the needs of the ships
regularly using it and the port and does not provide mariners with a disincentive to use it. Furthermore, it should
contribute to the improvement of the marine environment. It should also allow for the ultimate disposal of ships’ wastes
to take place in an environmentally appropriate way.
[2]
[SOURCE: IMO ResolutionCircular MEPC.83(44) ]
[9] ]
3.1/Circ.834/Rev.1, .4 modified — note 1 to entry has been added.]
3.1.4
recycling
any recovery operation by which waste materials are reprocessed into products, materials or substances
whether for the original or other purposes.
Note 1 to entry: It includes the reprocessing of organic material but does not include energy recovery and the
reprocessing into materials that are to be used as fuels or for backfilling operations.
3.1.5 3.1.5
reuse
any operation by which products or components that are not waste are used again for the same purpose for
which they were conceived
3.2 Terms relating to garbage
3.2.1 3.2.1
cargo residue
remnants of any cargo material which are not covered by other annexes to the MARPOL Convention and which
remain on the deck or in holds following loading or unloading, including loading and unloading excess or
spillage, whether in wet or dry conditions or entrained in wash water, but doesdo not include cargo dust
remaining on the deck after sweeping or dust on the external surfaces of the ship
Note 1 to entry: Dry bulk cargo residues maycan include substances that are harmful to the marine environment (HME)
with special restrictions for discharges (3.1.1(3.1.1)) including HME entrained in cargo hold wash water. Port reception
facilities (3.1.4(3.1.4)) for cargo residues considered to be HME maycan be required at loading or discharge ports
handling bulk dry cargoes.
3.2.2 3.2.2
domestic waste
all types of waste not covered by other annexes to the MARPOL Convention that are generated in the
accommodation spaces on board the ship
Note 1 to entry: Domestic wastes do not include grey water.
[2]
[SOURCE: MARPOL Annex V, reg. 1.4 ]]
ISO/DISFDIS 21070:20252026(en)
3.2.3 3.2.3
garbage
all kinds of food waste, domestic waste (3.2.2(3.2.2)) and operational waste (3.2.5(3.2.5),), all plastics
(3.2.10(3.2.11),), cargo residue (3.2.1(3.2.1),), 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 MARPOL Convention.
Note 1 to entry: 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.
[2]
[SOURCE: MARPOL Annex V reg. 1.9 ]]
3.2.4 3.2.4
incinerator ashes
ash and clinkers resulting from shipboard incinerators used for incineration of garbage (3.2.3(3.2.3))
[2]
[SOURCE: MARPOL Annex V reg. 1.10 ]]
3.2.5 3.2.5
operational waste
all solid waste (including slurries) not covered by other annexes in the MARPOL Convention that are collected
on board during normal maintenance or operations of a ship, or used for cargo stowage and handling
Note 1 to entry: Operational waste includes, but is not limited to, the following wastes associated with cargo storage and
handling: dunnage, shoring, pallets, lining, transit and packing materials, plywood, paper, cardboard, wire, plastic
wrapping, and steel strapping.
Note 2 to entry: Operational waste also includes cleaning agents and additives contained in cargo holds and external
wash water.
Note 3 to entry: Operational waste does not include grey water, bilge water, or other similar discharges (3.1.1(3.1.1))
essential to the operation of a ship.
Note 4 to entry: Wooden material maycan be defined as quarantine waste in certain countries.
3.2.6 3.2.6
oily rag
rag which contains oil and is controlled in MARPOL, Annex I
3.2.7 3.2.7
maintenance waste
waste deriving from the maintenance of the ship
3.2.8 3.2.8
medical waste
waste generated by health care activities, ranging from used needles and syringes to soiled dressings, body
parts, diagnostic samples, blood, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and radioactive materials
Note 1 to entry: Medical waste is distinguished into two categories: infectious and non-infectious by the World Health
Organization.
3.2.9 3.2.9
quarantine waste
waste that requires segregation and special handling due to its potential to spread diseases or plant and animal
pests
3.2.10 3.2.10
plastics
solid material which contains, as an essential ingredient, one or more high molecular mass polymers, and,
which is formed (shaped) during either the manufacture of the polymer or the fabrication into a finished
product by heat and/or pressure
Note 1 to entry: Plastics have material properties ranging from hard and brittle to soft and elastic.
Note 2 to entry: For the purpose of this document, plastics include plastic in any form, including synthetic ropes, synthetic
fishing nets, plastic garbage (3.2.3(3.2.3)) bags and incinerator ashes (3.2.4(3.2.4)) from plastic products.
[2]
[SOURCE: MARPOL Annex V, reg. 1.13 ]]
4 Requirements
4.1 General
This clause specifies the minimum requirements for waste treatment on board, including waste separation,
marking, collecting, storing and offloading to port reception facilities.
While it is recognized that on-board waste management should be standardized, it should be noted that
offloading procedures depend on the ports and the port reception facilities available.
NOTE For shipboard incineration, see C.5B.5.
4.2 Classification of garbage and residues
The following categories and garbage types covered in this document are listed in Table 1Table 1.
Table 1 — Categories and types of garbage and residues
MARPOL
Annex V
Type Description
[2]
Category
Part 1 – For all garbage other than cargo residue
Plastics All garbage that consists of or includes plastic in any form, including synthetic
A ropes and fishing nets. ShallPlastics shall be retained onboard and disposed of
ashore.
Food wastes B
Domestic waste C
Glass C NOTE 1 Can require separation by colours.
Paper products C
Medical waste C NOTE 2 Reference is made to the Guidelines for the Implementation of
[7]
MARPOL 2012, Annex V, section 5.2.5.
Wood C
Metal C
ISO/DISFDIS 21070:20252026(en)
MARPOL
Annex V
Type Description
[2]
Category
Cooking oil D
Incinerator ashes E NOTE 3 Incinerator ash from plastic products can contain toxic or heavy metal.
Operational Examples of (non-hazardous) waste are: dunnage, shoring, pallets, lining, transit
wastes and packing materials, plywood, paper, cardboard, wire, plastic wrapping, steel
strapping
NOTE 1 4 Some regional or national legislations can require even further separate
identification and handling.
NOTE 2 5 Operational wastes can be considered hazardous. Examples of
F
hazardous waste are: batteries, fluorescent lamps, garbage contaminated with
hazardous waste, and any other waste that is considered hazardous waste. This
kind of waste is handled and treated separately.
NOTE 3 6 Oily waste and rags contaminated with oily waste are listed in MARPOL,
[2]
Annex I.
NOTE 4 7 Medical waste is a separate item.
Animal carcasses G
Fishing gear H
E-waste I Examples include computers, laptops, keyboards, cell phones, portable
communications devices.
EGCS residues - Residues of Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS)
NOTE1NOTE 8 Ships having Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS) can have
residues in EGCS.
[2]
NOTE2NOTE 9 Requirements on EGCS are given in MARPOL, Annex VI.
Part 2 – For all cargo residues
Cargo residues See 4.44.4.
J
(non HME) NOTE 10 Dry cargo residues can include deck or cargo hold sweepings and wash
water containing such residues.
Cargo residues See 4.44.4.
(HME) Solid bulk cargoes should be assessed by the shipper as to whether or not they are
K harmful to the marine environment, and can include:
— — acute aquatic toxicity;
— — chronic aquatic toxicity;
— — carcinogenicity;
— — mutagenicity.
[6]
SOURCE: IMO Resolution MEPC.277(70) [5].).
NOTE Inexpensive and readily available standard label software and a colour printer can be useful for creating
labels/markings aboard ships, for collection and storage containers. Coloured signage/labels can be affixed to
appropriate portable containers, such as drums, boxing or bagging for retention and storage aboard. Such a colour coding
system is useful for easy identification when off-loading at a reception facility. Further, such a labelling scheme facilitates
efficient segregation of wastes, by type, for further handling and recycling by port reception facility operators. Additional
or supplemental labels can be affixed to those types of waste requiring special handling such as hazardous, quarantine,
or medical wastes and incinerator ash for ships equipped with such equipment.
Garbage that is contaminated by another category of garbage shall be handled in accordance with the more
stringent disposal requirements that are applicable.
4.3 Colour codes
Inexpensive and readily available standard label software and a colour printer may be useful for creating
labels/markings, as shown in Table 1Table 1 and according to the colour scheme in Table 2Table 2,, on-board
ship for collection and storage container labelling. Coloured signage/labels can be affixed to appropriate
portable containers such as drums, boxing or bagging for retention and storage aboard. Such a colour coding
system can be useful for easy identification when offloading at a reception facility. Furthermore, such a
labelling scheme facilitates efficient segregation of wastes by type, for further handling and recycling by port
reception facility operators. Additional or supplemental labels couldcan be affixed to those types of waste
requiring special handling such as hazardous or harmful, quarantine, or medical wastes and incinerator ashes
for ships equipped with such equipment, as appropriate.
Table 2 — Colour codes for waste
Waste Colour
Plastics Yellow
Food waste Green
Domestic waste Grey
Cooking oil —
Incinerator ashes Black
Operational waste —
Cargo residue —
Animal carcasses —
Fishing gear —
Glass Blue
Paper products White on black
Medical waste Yellow
Oil contaminated waste —
Wood Brown
Metal Grey
E-waste Orange
4.4 Cargo residues and operational waste from cargo stowage and handling operations
Ships shall have procedures in their garbage management plan to deal with cargo residues and operational
waste from cargo storage and handling operations.
In ships with Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systemsexhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS), residues in the EGCS shall
be collected and managed separately.
ISO/DISFDIS 21070:20252026(en)
4.5 Collection and segregation of garbage
4.5.1 General
Garbage shall be regularly collected in the areas where it is generated. At the point of collection, the garbage
should be appropriately segregated into the types according to Table 1Table 1. The garbage shall be
transported to a storage site on board the ship appropriate for that category (see Table 1Table 1),), where it
may be segregated further as necessary.
Different types of garbage shall be handled and treated separately.
Cargo residues HME (see Table 1Table 1)) can be hazardous. This shall be handled and treated separately.
Mixing of different types of garbage can make recycling more difficult or impossible and more expensive.
4.5.2 On-board collection containers
Collection containers of suitable size, design, and number as appropriate for the volume and category of
garbage anticipated should be available where the garbage is generated. The collection containers shall also
comply with the applicable safety requirements (such as metal safety containers used for collection of oily
rags or sealed/covered containers used for quarantine wastes) and shall be easy to transport manually. For
hygiene reasons, the containers shall be emptied regularly.
Collection containers shall be marked to clearly identify their use (see Table 1Table 1 for categories and
Table 2Table 2 for colours) as appropriate. See examples of standardized marking/labelling of collection
containers.
4.6 Storage
4.6.1 General
Collected garbage shall be appropriately stored on board until it is disposed of in accordance with the
applicable international, regional and/or national legislationat a port.
The capacity of the designated storage site(s) shall be commensurate with the number and size of storage
containers required to accommodate shipboard garbage. Storage capacity is dependent on number of persons
or crew on board and the type of vessel. Annexes AAnnex A and BB can help with defining the capacity needed
for storin
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