17 June 2026
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?
Due to the success of the DAFF Maritime Waste Recycling Pilot (DMWRP) a policy for waste recycling has been developed. The policy is specific to cruise and commercial vessels.
From 1 July 2026, cruise and commercial vessel operators can apply to recycle eligible vessel generated waste, under the Conveyance Waste Recycling Policy.
Note: Participants of the DMWRP are not required to reapply.
The Conveyance Waste Recycling Policy requires vessels to:
- meet waste recycling requirements for vessel generated waste
- submit a waste discharge form in MARS for inspection at the First Point of Entry
- transport 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 that does not comply with requirements will not be released by biosecurity officers and must be disposed of as biosecurity waste.
How to participate in the Conveyance Waste Recycling
Vessel operators and agents who wish to participate in conveyance waste recycling are required to submit a request via email to: conveyance.maritime@aff.gov.au
The following information for each participating vessel is required:
- IMO and name of participating vessel/s
- proposed waste discharge port/s
- name of waste providers under an Approved Arrangement and recycle providers for each port discharge location.
Relevant information will be provided for crew to follow. This will include the Conveyance waste recycling requirements.
Additional information about the Conveyance Waste Recycling Policy and the requirements will soon be published on the department’s website.