Which item is never permitted to discharge outside special areas?

• A. Incinerator Ash
• B. Food Waste
• C. Animal Carcasses
• D. Wash Water containing cargo residues

Answer: (A)

Disposal rules for ship garbage aim to minimize marine pollution by tightly restricting what can be released at sea. Incinerator ash is the most restricted item: after garbage is burned aboard, the remaining ash can concentrate hazardous residues, so it is not allowed to be discharged overboard in general. Regulations require keeping it on board for disposal at port reception facilities or handling it under approved onshore procedures. Other items—such as food waste, animal carcasses, or wash water with cargo residues—have permitted discharge options under specific conditions (like treatment or adequate distance from land). Thus, incinerator ash is the item that is never permitted to discharge outside special areas.