22 December 2025
Who does this notice affect?
All vessel owners, operators, masters and shipping agents who represent international commercial and cruise vessels arriving in Australian territory.
What has changed?
As outlined in IIAN 284-2024: Commencement of the DAFF Maritime Waste Recycling Pilot (DMWRP), the DAFF Maritime Waste Recycling Pilot (DMWRP) will continue throughout the 2025 and 2026 season while new policy for waste recycling from cruise and commercial vessels is developed and implemented.
DMWRP participation requires vessels to:
- Meet DMWRP Cleaning and Segregation Guidelines for onboard waste recycling management.
- Submit a waste discharge form in MARS for waste inspection at the First Port of Entry.
- Convey waste for recycling on ISPM 15 pallets for large volumes and clear plastic bags for small volumes.
- Present waste for recycling to biosecurity officers for inspection.
Waste not complying with the DMWRP Cleaning and Segregation Guideline requirements will not be released by biosecurity officers for recycling. It will be directed for disposal as biosecurity waste via an Approved Arrangement provider.
How to participate in the DMWRP
No action is required from vessel operators already participating in the DMWRP.
The Department continues to invite vessel operators and agents who wish to recycle waste and participate in the DMWRP to submit a request to the department through conveyance.maritime@aff.gov.au.
Please provide the following information for each participating vessel in the request:
- number, IMO and name of participating vessel
- voyage details and proposed waste discharge port/s
- name of waste providers under an Approved Arrangement and recycle providers.
Vessels will be provided additional information, including the DMWRP Cleaning and Segregation Guide for the crew to follow.
Additional information on the DMWRP is on the DAFF Vessels website.
Further information
Please forward any enquiries to conveyance.maritime@aff.gov.au.