Final adoption of new rules to collect and recycle waste from ships

The European Commission welcomes the final adoption by the Council of a Directive on port reception facilities for the delivery and management of waste from ships. It was proposed in January 2018, together with the Plastics strategy, as part of the Circular Economy Package.

The Directive tackles all waste from ships and will also apply to waste collected in nets during fishing operations. It sets measures to ensure this waste is returned to land to adequate port reception facilities, where the waste should be collected separately for recycling. The new rules will enable a mix of incentive and enforcement measures, such as a targeted inspection regime, supported by digital reporting of waste notification and waste receipt information, and cost recovery systems, based on an indirect fee.

In addition, an incentive scheme should be developed for ‘green ships' that demonstrate sustainable waste management and reduce the amount of waste generated on board. The European Parliament adopted the new rules on 13 March. The new Directive is expected to enter into force in the coming months.