Waste & chemicals

It’s a sorry sight when we see rubbish, sewage & chemical agents floating in our beloved waterways. It not only creates an unsightly mess, but it also affects the marine environment in a number of different ways. All boaters have a responsibility to properly dispose of their waste to ensure our waterways stay beautiful and healthy for generations to come.

Disposing Of Your Waste

Recreational and commercial boaters have a responsibility to properly dispose of vessel waste.

It is illegal to pollute Victorian waterways in any way and sensible environmental practices on and around the water will go a long way towards preserving our waterways for future generations.

Even if you aren’t commanding the vessel, you should:

• Collect all your rubbish on board and dispose of it properly ashore;
• Wipe cooking utensils and plates clean with a paper towel before washing;
• Use low or non-phosphate soaps in sinks and showers;
• Keep bilges clean to prevent pollutants being discharged overboard; &
• Remove your boat from the water and clean it in places where debris can be captured and disposed of properly.

To report a waste or pollution incident, contact the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) on 1300 372 842 or visit epa.vic.gov.au

The Chemical Effect

These chemicals are harmful for our waterways, so we need to consider our use of them and reduce our impact where possible. Certain chemicals can destroy certain marine ecosystems so you have a responsibility to ensure you do not harm Australia’s delicate marine ecosystem.

Antifoul Coatings

Antifouling paints are hazardous mixtures that prevent the build up of marine organisms on vessel hulls. They work largely by releasing biocides (chemical substance) into the water, which prevents the building up of organisms to the bottom of boats.

In short, the paint is toxic. Most Antifouls contain copper, large concentrations of which are sadly found on the sea beds of our waterways which are contributing to the decline of our delicate marine ecosystem. We urge you to avoid the use of Anitfoul coatings wherever possible.

Detergent

When you wash your vessel, stuff is going to end up in the water, either directly (straight off the boat) or indirectly (through gutters). All detergent products eventually biodegrade, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe for marine life.

Detergent contains certain nasties such as water softeners, bleach, enzymes, brighteners & many other agents which can be harmful to the marine environment. Consider what detergent you use; when you go shopping, consider using phosphate-free biodegradable detergents to reduce your impact on the marine environment.