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Whatever the activity in the harbour, it is likely to generate waste of some kind, whether it is kitchen waste, sewage, oil, chemicals, or waste associated with cargo. We all have a responsibility to ensure that waste is disposed of correctly and safely so that it does not contaminate our environment.

The Marpol 73/78 Convention governs the safe and responsible disposal of this waste and the Merchant Shipping (Port Waste Reception Facilities) Regulations require all ports, terminals, and marinas throughout the UK to produce a plan detailing how they organise and provide port reception facilities for Marpol designated waste.

The Cowes Harbour Port Waste Management Plan covers all types of prescribed waste originating from ships visiting the harbour. The plan is reviewed every three years.

The aim of the plan is to provide guidance to any harbour stakeholder as to the processes and facilities available within Cowes Harbour. To this end, it attempts to ensure that all vessels using the harbour dispose of all waste in an efficient and environmentally correct manner.

Cowes Harbour takes its responsibilities for waste very seriously and provides free facilities for rubbish and recycling, as well as a free sewage pump-out system at Shepards Marina.

Recycling facilities are available at all marinas in Cowes Harbour – please use them where possible to help improve the environment.

For further information regarding waste disposal, please read the Cowes Harbour Port Waste Management Plan or contact the Harbour Office – 01983 293952.

Pollution in the harbour could be caused by a number of different things. If you see a pollution incident, please report it to the Environment Agency on their incident line 0800 807060