Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Waste, Oil, and Trash Disposal in Missouri and Federal Waters

It is illegal to discharge waste, oil or trash into any federally controlled or Missouri state waters and for very good reasons.

• Sewage carries disease and is harmful to people, aquatic plants and animals.
• Trash thrown into the water can injure swimmers and wildlife alike. It can also plug engine cooling water intakes.
• Pollution is unsightly and takes away from your enjoyment of the water.

Vessel operators need to be aware of the following regulations for waste, oil and trash disposal that apply to both federally controlled and state waters. The Refuse Act prohibits throwing, discharging or depositing any refuse matter of any kind (including trash, garbage, oil, and other liquid pollutants) into the waters of the United States.

Signs like these are posted at pump-out stations in Missouri.

Discharge of Sewage and Waste If you have a recreational vessel with installed toilet facilities, it must have an operable marine sanitation device (MSD) on board. The types of MSDs are: Type III MSD, the simplest and most common, consists of holding tanks or portable toilets. It requires only a small storage space and is simple to operate. Type III MSDs have the least effect on the environment since the waste is to be discharged on shore into a local sewage treatment facility. Types I and II MSDs are usually found on large vessels. Waste is treated with special chemicals to kill bacteria before the waste is discharged. Houseboats must have a waste-water holding system to prevent the discharge of waste into surrounding waters. Missouri law prohibits discharge of any sewage, treated or untreated, into the state’s freshwaters. Vessels 65 feet in length and under may use a Type I, II or III MSD. Vessels over 65 feet must install a Type II or III MSD. MSDs with “Y” valves that direct the waste overboard must be secured so that the valve cannot be opened. This can be done by placing a lock or non-reusable seal on the “Y” valve or by taking the handle off the “Y” valve. All installed devices must be U.S. Coast Guard–certified.

Discharge of Trash

The Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships places limitations on the discharge of garbage from vessels. It is illegal to dump refuse, garbage, or plastics into any state or federally controlled waters.

• You must store trash in a container on board, and place it in a proper receptacle after returning to shore.
• If boating on federal waters, you must display a Garbage Disposal Placard in a prominent location on vessels 26 feet or longer. The Garbage Disposal Placard is a durable sign at least 4 x 9 inches that notifies passengers and crew about discharge restrictions.

Missouri Law Regarding Glass Containers and Trash

The following restrictions apply to any vessel that is easily susceptible to swamping, tipping or rolling (such as a canoe, kayak or inner tube) and is carrying foodstuffs or beverages while operating on any of Missouri’s navigable waterways. Navigable waterways means any navigable river, lake, or other body of water. The law does not apply to houseboats, party barges, runabouts, ski boats, bass boats or similar craft not easily susceptible to swamping, tipping or rolling.

• Except for containers for substances prescribed by a licensed physician, no one may have or use glass containers within a vessel.
• All persons using a cooler, icebox or other nonglass container for foodstuffs and beverages must:
  • Assure that the container is sealed to prevent the contents from spilling into the water
  • Carry and affix to the vessel a container or bag suitable for containing their trash and capable of being securely closed
  • Transport all their trash to a place where the materials may be safely and lawfully disposed of
  • Safely secure any glass containers to protect them from breakage or falling overboard

What to Do in Case of Discharge

If your vessel discharges oil or hazardous substances in the water, notify the U.S. Coast Guard by calling 1-800-424-8802. Also notify the Missouri Division of Environmental Quality by calling 1-573-634-2436.

Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances

Regulations issued under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act require all vessels with propulsion machinery to have a capacity to retain oil mixtures on board.

• You are not allowed to discharge oil or hazardous substances. The penalty for illegal discharge may be a fine up to $10,000.
• You are not allowed to dump oil into the bilge of the vessel without means for proper disposal. Fuel spills can be removed using absorbent bilge pads.
• You must discharge oil waste to a reception facility. On recreational vessels, a bucket or bailer is adequate.
• You must immediately notify the U.S. Coast Guard if your vessel discharges oil or hazardous substances in the water. Call toll-free 800-424-8802. Report the discharge’s location, color, source, substances, size, and time observed. You must also call the Missouri Division of Environmental Quality and report the discharge.
• If boating on federal waters and your vessel is 26 feet or longer you must
  display a 5 x 8 inch placard made of durable material, fixed in a conspicuous place in the machinery spaces, or at the bilge pump control station, stating
  the following:

Discharge of Oil Prohibited

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act prohibits the discharge of oil or oily waste upon or into any navigable waters of the U.S. The prohibition includes any discharge which causes a film or discoloration of the surface of the water or causes a sludge or emulsion beneath the surface of the water. Violators are subject to substantial civil and/or criminal sanctions including fines and imprisonment.

Oil Discharge Placard A 5 x 8-inch sign that states the law pertaining to oil discharge

Waste Management Plan

• Ocean-going vessels that are 40 feet or more in length with cooking and sleeping facilities must have a written Waste Management Plan.
• The captain of the vessel is responsible for implementing the Waste Management Plan.
• The Waste Management Plan, identifying the vessel's name and home port, should be posted and should include directives to all persons on board about:
  • Discharging sewage and hazardous substances
  • Discharging garbage and other food waste
  • Disposing of plastics, bottles, and cans
  • Reading applicable placards for additional information
  • Advising the captain in case of oily discharges or diesel spills

Stop the Spread of Nuisance Species

Introducing non-native species into Missouri waters can upset the balance of the ecosystem, hurting the environment. Aquatic nuisance species such as zebra mussels most often spread between waterways by hitching a ride on vessels and trailers. When transplanted into new waters, these organisms proliferate, displacing native species and damaging the water resource.

To prevent spreading aquatic nuisance species:

• Inspect your vessel and trailer, removing any plants and animals you see before leaving the waterbody.
• Drain your motor, live well, and bilge on land before leaving the waterbody.
• Empty your bait bucket on land. Never release live bait into a waterbody or release aquatic animals from one waterbody into another.
• Rinse your vessel, trailer and equipment.
• Air dry your vessel and equipment for as long as possible.