Waste Segregation, Operations

Operational waste segregation involves the systematic separation of waste streams generated during port operations to maximize recycling, enable safe disposal of hazardous materials, and support resource recovery. This encompasses, among others, scrap metal, concrete, timber, plastics, packaging, oils, greases, tyres, cargo residues, dunnage, and quarantine or biosecurity waste.

Effective operational waste segregation can reduce landfill disposal, prevent environmental contamination from hazardous materials, recover valuable materials for reuse, and support compliance with waste regulations. In DMC contexts, the practice may also provide livelihood opportunities where informal recycling systems are integrated into formal waste management frameworks.

Port operations generate diverse waste streams, including but not limited to scrap metal from equipment maintenance, concrete and timber from construction and repair, plastics and packaging from cargo handling, oils and greases from machinery, tyres from heavy vehicles, cargo residues from bulk and break bulk operations, and dunnage (timber and other materials used to secure cargo during shipping). Additionally, ports handling international cargo must manage quarantine and biosecurity waste in accordance with national quarantine and biosecurity regulations (IMO, 2017).

Effective segregation requires designated storage areas for each waste stream, clear signage and staff training, appropriate containment (particularly for hazardous materials such as used oils, batteries, and chemical residues), and contracts with licensed waste collectors and recyclers. A waste management plan provides the governance framework for operational waste management and, where the port receives garbage from ships, should be aligned with MARPOL Annex V requirements for port reception facilities (IMO, n.d.; UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency, 2024).

International ports have achieved high rates of waste diversion from landfill through comprehensive segregation programs. DP World's Santos terminal in Brazil became the first port terminal in Brazil to achieve zero waste to landfill certification (DP World, 2023). In the port of Rotterdam, licensed port reception facilities collect ship-generated waste, and licences issued after 2014 include quality criteria on sorting and processing the collected waste (Port of Rotterdam Authority, 2023).

In DMCs, operational waste management varies significantly in maturity. Some major container terminals operated by international companies apply corporate wide waste management standards, while smaller ports may have limited segregation infrastructure. The practice is scalable: even basic segregation of metals, timber, and hazardous waste represents a significant improvement over mixed disposal. Partnerships with local recycling enterprises can extend waste diversion rates while supporting local economic development.

A particular consideration for DMC ports is the management of ship generated waste received under MARPOL. Governments that are Party to MARPOL must ensure the provision of adequate port reception facilities, and the quality of these facilities varies across the region. Improving operational waste segregation at ports can create capacity to better manage both port generated and ship generated waste streams (IMO, n.d.).