SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/boat-plastic-discharge-banned

Where is it legal to throw plastic trash overboard from a boat?

Nowhere: discharging plastic is illegal everywhere.

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  1. Beyond 3 miles from shore
  2. Beyond 25 miles from shore
  3. Nowhere, it's illegal everywhere ✔

Why: Under MARPOL Annex V, discharging plastic is illegal in all waters, including synthetic rope, fishing nets and plastic bags. Dumping any garbage in U.S. navigable waters, inland lakes and the Great Lakes is illegal too.

Huh, didn't know that: Boats 26 feet or longer must post a placard explaining the garbage discharge rules.

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Why did the plastic bottle stay on board? It didn't want to make waves.
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References

Answer: Nowhere, it's illegal everywhere. Under MARPOL Annex V, discharging plastic is illegal in all waters, including synthetic rope, fishing nets and plastic bags. Dumping any garbage in U.S. navigable waters, inland lakes and the Great Lakes is illegal too.

  1. A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats (USCG) www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf
    Discharging plastic is illegal everywhere.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. 33 CFR 151.67, Discharge of plastic prohibited www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-151.67
    All garbage containing plastics requiring disposal must be discharged ashore or incinerated.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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