ISO 21070:2017

Overview

ISO 21070:2017 - Ships and marine technology: Marine environment protection - Management and handling of shipboard garbage specifies standardized procedures for shipboard garbage management. It covers the handling, collection, separation, marking, treatment and storage of garbage while it is on board, and describes the ship-to-shore interface for delivery of garbage to a port reception facility (PRF). The standard aligns with and builds on the minimum requirements set by MARPOL Annex V and reflects amendments up to 2013.

Key Topics

ISO 21070:2017 addresses practical and technical requirements, including:

• Classification of garbage (consistent with MARPOL definitions such as domestic waste, operational waste, cargo residues, plastics, incinerator ashes).
• Colour codes and marking systems for onboard segregation and container identification.
• Collection and segregation procedures, including requirements for onboard collection containers.
• Storage: requirements for storage containers and safe onboard storage practices.
• On-board processing techniques to reduce volume and manage waste prior to offload.
• Offloading procedures and the ship-to-shore interface for delivery to port reception facilities.
• Garbage management plans: shipboard plans, documentation, and record-keeping.
• Garbage volume assessment and minimization strategies based on the principle: prevention → recycling → energy recovery → disposal.
• Discharge rules (referenced alongside MARPOL Annex V limits) and guidance for permitted discharges vs. prohibited discharges.
• Auditing and reporting: guidance for waste audits, data sheets and continuous improvement.

Applications

ISO 21070:2017 is used by:

• Shipowners and ship operators to implement compliant onboard garbage procedures and management systems.
• Shipboard personnel (officers and crew) for daily collection, segregation and storage practices.
• Port reception facility managers to anticipate and handle segregated waste deliveries.
• Maritime regulators and port/state control for assessing compliance with MARPOL and national rules.
• Designers and suppliers of onboard waste handling systems and equipment. Practical benefits include improved regulatory compliance with MARPOL Annex V, reduced marine pollution risk, enhanced crew safety and hygiene, more efficient port offloading, and potential cost savings through waste minimization and recycling.

Related standards and guidance

• MARPOL Annex V (IMO) - sets minimum international regulatory requirements for garbage from ships.
• IMO Guidelines for Implementation of MARPOL Annex V
• MEPC.1/Circ.834 - guidance for port reception facilities providers and users.
• ISO 16304 - complementary guidance on ship/shore waste interfaces and reception facility expectations.

Keywords: ISO 21070:2017, shipboard garbage management, MARPOL Annex V, port reception facility, waste minimization, garbage segregation, marine environment protection.