2012 Ocean Ranger Guidebook Revision 3-7-12 - Alaska ...

2012 Ocean Ranger Guidebook 3-7-12
Section 2: Non-Hazardous Wastes
General background:
Solid waste offloads have been part of the ADEC Cruiseship Program since the start of
the program. Pollution by disposing of plastics and other prohibited wastes into Alaskan waters
has been prohibited for years. Since 2001 ship operators have been required to submit waste
offloading plans to ADEC. This initial concern was a reaction to past activities by a few
cruiseship operators. Today almost all documented cases of waste dumping overboard have
been accidental or from passenger activities and has been limited in size. Cruise ships have
implemented extensive waste minimizing (such as recycling), sorting, and storage procedures.
Common practices often include:
Presorting (by the passengers or crew) of garbage in dedicated collecting bins. For
example glass, food, metals (tin), plastics bottles.
Collection of the garbage to sorting rooms
Handling / storage of the garbage waste stream with a focus on reduction and re-use
(on shore recycling) and removal of non-recyclable items and plastics/synthetics.
Processing of the waste streams for storage, offload, or incineration of the waste.
Waste is sorted and checked by dedicated crew members. Food waste is pulped and
discharged outside Alaska or dewatered and incinerated. Paper, cardboard (that is not
recycled), cartons, and other waste is incinerated by the onboard incinerator. Most case
the options used onboard are vessel specific and depend on itinerary, company policies,
and equipment available.
Most garbage and hazardous waste is offloaded in Canada or Seattle. The offloading
plans may include information on this.
All cruise ships must have a Nonhazardous Solid Waste Offloading Plan as required in 18
AAC 69.035. The NSWOP must describe:
1. an estimate of the volume of each waste type that the owner or operator anticipates
offloading in this state or disposing into the marine waters of the state;
2. the proposed offloading or disposal method;
3. the name and address of each contractor to be used for offloading in this state or disposing
into marine waters of the state; and
4. the harbors, landfills, or other offloading or disposal facilities in the state proposed to be
used by the owner or operator or agent.
Ships can deviate from this plan, but must report deviations by November 15 th . It is
recommended to become familiar with the garbage logs, and waste offload plan if onboard for
a voyage. These plans vary by company and sometimes by ship.
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