Commencement of the DAFF Maritime Waste Recycling Pilot (DMWRP)

Eda Zenic -

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (DAFF) issued a notice informing that the DAFF Maritime Waste Recycling Pilot (DMWRP) officially commenced on December 1, 2024, impacting all international commercial and cruise vessels arriving in Australian territory. This change affects vessel owners, operators, masters, and shipping agents who represent these vessels.

What is changing?

Currently, all waste discharged from international vessels is considered biosecurity waste and is subject to disposal under a DAFF Approved Arrangement for biosecurity waste management. However, from December 1, 2024, commercial and cruise vessel operators will have the option to volunteer to participate in the DMWRP, a new initiative aimed at recycling maritime waste.

To participate in the DMWRP, vessels must meet certain requirements:

  1. Follow the DMWRP Cleaning and Segregation Guidelines: This includes guidelines for managing waste onboard and segregating recyclable materials.
  2. Submit a Waste Discharge Form: Vessel operators must submit a form through the Maritime Arrivals Reporting System (MARS) to have their waste inspected at the First Port of Entry.
  3. Transport Waste for Recycling: Waste must be conveyed in ISPM 15 pallets for large volumes and clear plastic bags for small volumes.
  4. Waste Inspection by Biosecurity Officers: Upon arrival, vessels must present the waste for inspection by biosecurity officers, who will confirm whether it meets the recycling requirements.

If waste does not comply with the guidelines, it will not be allowed for recycling and will instead be directed for disposal as biosecurity waste via an Approved Arrangement provider.

How to participate in the DMWRP:

Vessel operators and agents wishing to participate in the pilot program should submit a request to the department at conveyance.maritime@aff.gov.au. The request should include the following information for each participating vessel:

  • Vessel name, IMO number, and IMO voyage details
  • Proposed waste discharge ports
  • Name of waste providers under an Approved Arrangement and recycling providers

Once registered, vessels will receive additional information, including the DMWRP Cleaning and Segregation Guide, which outlines the specific guidelines the crew must follow to ensure proper waste management. Further information about the DMWRP will also be published soon on the department's website.