Disposal of Toxic Substances

Oil residue tends to build up in the bilges of boats and can easily be discharged directly into the water. The federal Water Pollution Control Act prohibits you from discharging oil or hazardous substances into navigable waters. The penalty for illegal discharge may be a fine of up to $10,000.

If your boat is 26 feet in length or longer, you must display a placard at least 5 by 8 inches, made of durable material and fixed in a conspicuous place in the machinery spaces or at the bilge pump control station:

If your boat has a motor, you must be able to keep oily mixtures on board and be equipped with a way of discharging these oily mixtures to a reception facility. You can use a bucket, oil-absorbent pads or sponges and a heavy-duty plastic bag, or a bailer or portable pump to retain the waste on board until you can transfer the oily mixture to a reception facility.

Never drain oil or oily waste into the bilge of your boat.
Never use hand or dish soap to disperse a spill.

If you ever discharge oil or hazardous substances into the water, you must immediately notify the U.S. Coast Guard. Call toll-free 800-424-8802 (in Washington, D.C., 202-267-3675).

Report the following information:

• Location
• Size
• Source
• Color
• Time observed
• Substances

Other things you can do to help:

• Regularly inspect fuel lines and tanks, filters, separators, vents, bilge pumps and other areas that are susceptible to potential leaks of toxic substances.
• Keep toxic-absorbent sponges in the bilge. These sponges can significantly reduce and/or eliminate discharge of oils and fuels by absorbing fuel and oil but not water.
• Keep toxic-absorbent sponges on hand when you are putting fuel in your boat at the marina.
• Use only nontoxic antifouling paints on the boat hull if repairs are needed.
• Use biodegradable cleaning agents.
• Avoid pumping oily bilge water or other hazardous substances into the water.