Assessing the Waste Management and Diversion Systems of Ship-Sourced Garbage Waste in Canadian Ports

Transport Canada (TC) wishes to gain a better understanding of the state of garbage waste management and diversion systems of ship-sourced garbage waste within Canadian port reception facilities (PRFs). The objective of this study is to identify challenges and opportunities that could enhance or improve garbage waste reception and treatment capacity of ship- and fishing vessel-sourced waste within Canadian ports. This foundational study should provide a baseline understanding of how PRFs handle garbage waste, including plastic waste and fishing gear, from domestic and international marine shipping and fishing vessels. The study should identify similarities and differences in garbage waste management practices in different ports (e.g. Canada Port Authorities (CPAs), public and private ports, small craft harbours etc.) as well as compare the multijurisdictional legislative and regulatory environment that informs these practices, and suggest options or measures that could be implemented to increase thediversion of garbage waste generated in the marine sector from municipal landfills.