Waste management
Criteria by type of participant
Ship owners
Ports
Seaway
Terminals
Shipyards
SHIP OWNERS
Performance indicator's objective:
Increase waste diversion and reduction at source of waste generated and encourage the integration of circularity principles.
Note: Circularity is a systemic approach to material management that focuses on retaining and/or recovering value from materials through reuse, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, repurposing, and/or recycling. It aims to reduce material use at the source, redesign products to be less resource-intensive, and transform waste into valuable inputs, keeping materials in continuous circulation and minimizing environmental impact.
APPLICABILITY: This performance indicator only applies to the company’s owned vessels.
2026 criteria
Level 1
Monitoring of regulations
Level 2
2.1 Equip all of the company's ships with recycling bins, ensuring they are strategically located (at least wherever there is a garbage can in common areas) and appropriately labeled, inform crews and ensure awareness of established user procedures and the waste management hierarchy (reduce, reuse, recycle, recover, dispose).
2.2 Favor suppliers that use less packaging.
2.3 Encourage the use of reusable supplies onboard ships and in offices, with recyclable or compostable supplies encouraged where reuse is not feasible.
2.4 No shipboard incineration at port.
Domestic ship owners only:
2.5 Reuse, as much as possible, dunnage, lining, and packaging material.
Optional in 2026 - At Ship Owner’s Administrative/Office Facilities:
2.6 Equip offices, workspaces, and facilities with strategically located and labeled recycling bins for niche waste streams such as used batteries and ink cartridges, and with co-located and labeled bins for garbage and recycling.
2.7 Provide training and/or educate staff on established waste management procedures and hierarchy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover, Dispose)
2.8 Encourage staff to adopt sustainable paper use practices (e.g. reduce overall printing and copy paper consumption, double-sided printing, use post-consumer recycled paper, reuse and recycle paper, etc.).
2.9 Eliminate or limit the use of plastic straws, plastic bottles, single-use coffee cups, and any other similar items in the administrative office.
Level 3
3.1 Produce an annual inventory of different types of waste generated in the company's entire fleet and indicate the company's actual waste management practices.
Note: waste types refer to the categories defined in MARPOL Annex V, but each company can include additional categories.
3.2 (Optional for 2026) Adopt an environmentally preferable purchasing policy, aimed at reducing the use of packaging materials and avoiding single-use plastics.
3.3 (Optional for 2026) Maintain a list of known microplastic sources in use within the participant’s direct activities and operations.
Optional criteria for ships calling at European ports (referring to Regulation (EU) 2022/91, Article 1(1)):
3.4 Implement on-board segregation of waste in accordance with the IMO's guidelines (MEPC.295(71)) and ensure delivery to adequate port reception facilities that comply with the European regulation (Article 4(2)(d) of Directive (EU) 2019/883).
Level 4
4.1 Develop and implement a waste management strategy defining targets, tools, and measures for reducing waste generated, reducing discharge at sea, and increasing recycling.
Note: See Annex 5-A.
Level 5
5.1 Demonstrate continual improvement by achieving targets defined in the waste management strategy.
PORTS AND SEAWAY CORPORATION
Performance indicator's objective:
Increase waste reduction at source and diversion of waste generated and encourage the integration of circularity principles.
Note: Circularity is a systemic approach to material management that focuses on retaining and/or recovering value from materials through reuse, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, repurposing, and/or recycling. It aims to reduce material use at the source, redesign products to be less resource-intensive, and transform waste into valuable inputs, keeping materials in continuous circulation and minimizing environmental impact.
2026 criteria
Level 1
Monitoring of regulations
Level 2
Implementation of the majority of applicable criteria:
2.1 Equip offices, workspaces, and facilities with strategically located and labeled recycling bins for niche waste streams such as used batteries and ink cartridges, and with co-located and labeled bins for garbage and recycling.
2.2 Install clear signage for waste disposal on port or terminal property.
2.3 Provide training and/or educate staff on established waste management procedures and hierarchy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover, – Dispose), including on procedures for handling and disposing of hazardous waste.
2.4 Encourage the use of reusable supplies (e.g. reusable dishes) with recyclable or compostable supplies encouraged where reuse is not feasible.
2.5 Encourage staff to adopt sustainable paper use practices (e.g. reduce overall printing and copy paper consumption, double-sided printing, use post-consumer recycled paper, reuse and recycle paper, etc.).
2.6 Promote and encourage tenants, users, contractors, and/or clients to minimize waste and to recycle.
2.7 Gather information from the local service provider/waste hauler in order to have a better understanding of the relative costs and the environmental benefits related to the disposal of waste, recycling, and organics.
2.8 Eliminate or limit the use of plastic straws, plastic bottles, single-use coffee cups, and any other similar items in the administrative office.
2.9 Place marked garbage and recycling containers at convenient locations on site (e.g., for employees and visitors).
Operating ports only:
2.10 Reuse and/or recycle as much as possible dunnage, lining, and packaging material, where compliant with federal and/or state wood packaging import regulations.
Ports operating dry bulk terminals (2.11, 2.12, 2.13):
2.11 Adopt procedures to minimize the amount of cargo residues left on board the ships.
2.12 Facilitate the discharge of solid bulk cargo residues ashore, including hold sweepings.
2.13 Recover as much as possible off-specification products (i.e., products captured in stormwater sumps and effluent treatment works) or reintroduce them into the handling process.
Note: Not applicable to terminals that handle multiple dry bulk products because of cross-contamination risks.
Level 3
3.1 Implement all applicable best practices listed at level 2.
3.2 Make available to ship owners, operators, and agents, a directory and description of local service providers for the collection and/or management of shipboard and/or terminal generated waste.
3.3 (Optional in 2026) Maintain a list of leading microplastic sources in use within the participant’s direct activities and operations.
Fulfill one of the following 2 criteria:
3.4 Produce an annual inventory of all waste being generated during the participant’s direct activities (administrative and/or site operations).
Note: The inventory does not include waste generated from demolition or construction projects.
Note: See Annex 5-A.
OR
3.5 Conduct a waste audit every five (5) years to identify the types and amount of waste being generated during the participant’s direct activities (administrative and/or site operations).
Note: The audit does not include waste generated from demolition or construction projects.
Note: See Annex 5-A.
Level 4
4.1 Adopt an environmentally preferable purchasing policy that encourages sustainable purchasing practices (e.g., products using less packaging, reusable/recyclable/compostable products, products with post-consumer recycled content, circular economy products).
4.2 Conduct a waste audit every five years to identify the types and amount of waste being generated during the participant’s direct activities (administrative and/or site operations).
Note: The waste audit does not include waste generated from demolition or construction projects.
Note: See Annex 5-A.
4.3 Based on the results from the waste audit (and inventory if available), adopt and implement a Waste Management and Reduction plan that describes the participant’s waste management practices and procedures, including all applicable best practices of levels 2 and 3. The plan must also define measurable waste reduction, recycling, and/or diversion targets and identify practices and strategies to achieve them.
Note: Each participant defines its own “normalizer” to take into account fluctuations in port activities (e.g. per capita, per ton, per vessel, etc.).
Note: See Annex 5-B.
4.4 Adopt and implement formal procedures for reducing, reusing, recycling, recovering and/or properly disposing waste generated during construction, excavation, and demolition work (e.g., cement, concrete, bricks, gypsum, wool, asphalt, wood, steel, and other metals, etc.). These procedures must be included in all construction, demolition, and excavation projects.
Level 5
5.1 Demonstrate continual achievement in waste diversion and reduction at source in line with the objectives and targets established in the Waste Management and Reduction plan.
Terminals
Performance indicator's objective:
Increase waste diversion and reduction at source of waste generated and encourage the integration of circularity principles.
Note: Circularity is a systemic approach to material management that focuses on retaining and/or recovering value from materials through reuse, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, repurposing, and/or recycling. It aims to reduce material use at the source, redesign products to be less resource-intensive, and transform waste into valuable inputs, keeping materials in continuous circulation and minimizing environmental impact.
2026 criteria
Level 1
Monitoring of regulations
Level 2
Implementation of the majority of applicable criteria:
2.1 Equip offices, workspaces, and facilities with strategically located and labeled recycling bins for niche waste streams such as used batteries and ink cartridges , and with co-located and labeled bins for garbage and recycling.
2.2 Install clear signage for waste disposal on terminal property.
2.3 Provide training and/or educate staff on established waste management procedures and hierarchy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover, Dispose), including procedures for handling and disposing of hazardous waste.
2.4 Encourage the use of reusable supplies (e.g. reusable dishes, etc.) with recyclable or compostable supplies encouraged where reuse is not feasible.
2.5 Encourage staff to adopt sustainable paper use practices (e.g. reduce overall printing and copy paper consumption, double-sided printing, use post-consumer recycled paper, reuse and recycle paper, etc.).
2.6 Promote and encourage users, contractors, and/or clients to minimize waste and to recycle.
2.7 Gather information from the local service provider/waste hauler in order to have a better understanding of the relative costs and the environmental benefits related to the disposal of waste, recycling, and organics.
2.8 Eliminate or limit the use of plastic straws, plastic bottles, single-use coffee cups, and any other similar items in the administrative office.
2.9 Place marked garbage and recycling containers at convenient locations on site (e.g., for employees and visitors).
Dry bulk terminals (2.10, 2.11, 2.12):
2.10 Adopt procedures to minimize the amount of cargo residues left on board the ships.
2.11 Facilitate the discharge of solid bulk cargo residues ashore, including hold sweepings.
2.12 Recover as much as possible off-specification products (i.e., Products captured in stormwater sumps and effluent treatment works) or reintroduce them into the handling process.
Note: Not applicable in terminals that handle multiple dry bulk products because of cross-contamination risks.
Level 3
3.1 Implement all applicable best practices listed at level 2.
3.2 (Optional in 2026) Maintain a list of known microplastic sources in use within the participant’s direct activities and operations.
AND, fulfill one of the following 2 criteria:
3.3 Produce an annual inventory of all waste being generated during the participant’s direct activities (administrative and/or site operations).
Note: The inventory does not include waste generated from demolition or construction projects.
Note: See Annex 5-A.
OR
3.4 Conduct a waste audit every five (5) years to identify the types and amount of waste being generated during the participant’s direct activities (administrative and/or site operations).
Note: The inventory or audit does not include waste generated from demolition or construction projects.
Note: See Annex 5-A.
Level 4
4.1 Adopt an environmentally preferable purchasing policy that encourages sustainable purchasing practices (e.g., products using less packaging, reusable/recyclable/compostable products, products with post-consumer recycled content, circular economy products).
4.2 Conduct a waste audit every five years to identify the types and amount of waste being generated during the participant’s direct activities (administrative and/or site operations).
Note: The waste audit does not include waste generated from demolition or construction projects.
Note: See Annex 5-A.
4.3 Based on the results from the waste audit, adopt and implement a Waste Management and Reduction plan that describes the participant’s waste management practices and procedures, including all applicable best practices of levels 2 and 3. The plan must also define measurable waste reduction, recycling, and/or diversion targets and identify practices and strategies to achieve them.
Note: Each participant defines its own “normalizer” to take into account fluctuations in activities (e.g., per capita, per ton, per vessel, etc.).
Note: See Annex 5-B.
4.4 Adopt and implement formal procedures for reducing, reusing, recycling, recovering and/or properly disposing of waste generated during construction, excavation and demolition work (e.g. cement, concrete, bricks, gypsum, wool, asphalt, wood, steel, and other metals, etc.). These procedures must be included in all construction, demolition, and excavation projects.
Level 5
5.1 Demonstrate continual achievement in waste diversion and reduction at source in line with the objectives and targets established in the Waste Management and Reduction plan.
Shipyards
Performance indicator's objective:
Increase waste diversion and reduction at source of waste generated and encourage the integration of circularity principles.
Note: Circularity is a systemic approach to material management that focuses on retaining and/or recovering value from materials through reuse, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, repurposing, and/or recycling. It aims to reduce material use at the source, redesign products to be less resource-intensive, and transform waste into valuable inputs, keeping materials in continuous circulation and minimizing environmental impact.
2026 criteria
Level 1
Monitoring of regulations
Level 2
Implementation of the majority of the applicable criteria:
2.1 Equip offices, workspaces, and facilities with strategically located and labeled recycling bins for niche waste streams such as used batteries and ink cartridges, and with co-located and labeled bins for garbage and recycling.
2.2 Install clear signage for waste disposal on shipyard property.
2.3 Provide training and/or educate staff on established waste management procedures and hierarchy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover, Dispose), including procedures for handling and disposing of hazardous waste.
2.4 Encourage the use of reusable supplies (e.g. reusable dishes, etc.) with recyclable or compostable supplies encouraged where reuse is not feasible.
2.5 Encourage staff to adopt sustainable paper use practices (e.g. reduce overall printing and copy paper consumption, double-sided printing, use post-consumer recycled paper, reuse and recycle paper, etc.).
2.6 Promote and encourage users, contractors, and/or clients to minimize waste and to recycle.
2.7 Gather information from the local service provider/waste hauler in order to have a better understanding of the relative costs and the environmental benefits related to the disposal of waste, recycling, and organics.
2.8 Eliminate or limit the use of plastic straws, plastic bottles, single-use coffee cups, and any other similar items in the administrative office.
2.9 Place marked garbage and recycling containers at convenient locations on site (e.g., for employees and visitors).
Level 3
3.1 Implement all best practices listed at level 2.
3.2 (Optional for 2026) Maintain a list of known microplastic sources in use within the participant’s direct activities and operations.
AND, fulfill one of the following 2 criteria:
3.3 Produce an annual inventory of all waste being generated during the participant’s direct activities (administrative and/or site operations).
Note: The inventory does not include waste generated from demolition or construction projects.
Note: See Annex 5-A.
OR
3.4 Conduct a waste audit every five (5) years to identify the types and amount of waste being generated during the participant’s direct activities (administrative and/or site operations).
Note: The inventory or audit does not include waste generated from demolition or construction projects.
Note: See Annex 5-A.
Level 4
4.1 Adopt an environmentally preferable purchasing policy that encourages sustainable purchasing practices (e.g., products using less packaging, reusable/recyclable/compostable products, products with post-consumer recycled content, circular economy products).
4.2 Conduct a waste audit every five years to identify the types and amount of waste being generated during the participant’s direct activities (administrative and/or site operations).
Note: The waste audit does not include waste generated from demolition or construction projects.
Note: See Annex 5-A.
4.3 Based on the results from the waste audit, adopt and implement a Waste Management and Reduction plan that describes the participant’s waste management practices and procedures, including all applicable best practices of levels 2 and 3. The plan must also define measurable waste reduction, recycling, and/or diversion targets and identify practices and strategies to achieve them .
Note: Each participant defines its own “normalizer” to take into account fluctuations in activities (e.g., per capita, per ton, per vessel, etc.).
Note: See Annex 5-B.
4.4 Adopt and implement formal procedures for reducing, reusing, recycling, recovering and/or properly disposing of waste generated during construction, excavation and demolition work (e.g. cement, concrete, bricks, gypsum, wool, asphalt, wood, steel, and other metals, etc.). These procedures must be included in all construction, demolition, and excavation projects.
Level 5
5.1 Demonstrate continual achievement in waste diversion and reduction at source in line with the objectives and targets established in the Waste Management and Reduction plan.
