What types of garbage are permitted to be discharged into the sea under certain conditions?

• A. Plastic bottles, paper waste and metal scraps
• B. Medical waste
• C. Hazardous materials
• D. Animal carcasses, non-harmful cargo residues and food waste

Answer: (D)

Under ship pollution rules, discharging garbage at sea is highly restricted, aimed at protecting the marine environment. Only certain items can be released if they meet specific conditions, such as being biodegradable or non-hazardous and discharged at appropriate distances from land and using approved onboard systems.

The permitted items classically include animal carcasses, non-harmful cargo residues, and food waste, as long as they are handled under the required conditions. These are the types considered suitable for sea discharge because they pose lower environmental risk when managed properly and at the right distances.

Why the other options don’t fit: plastics are generally prohibited to discharge at sea due to their long-lasting pollution and harm to wildlife; medical waste and hazardous materials require special treatment and disposal on land rather than disposal at sea.