Ten Tips for Clean and Green Boating

1. Prevent oily discharges from the bilge—Keep your engine well tuned to prevent fuel and oil leaks. Secure an oil absorbent pad or pillow in your bilge and under your engine where drips may occur. Check the pads often, do not let them clog the bilge pump, and use Earth911 to find out where to dispose of them.
2. Spill-proof your oil changes—Use an oil change pump to transfer oil to a spill-proof container. Wrap a plastic bag or absorbent pad around the oil filter to prevent oil from spilling into the bilge. Use Earth 911 to recycle your oil and filters.
3. Limit fuel spills—Fill your tank slowly and use absorbent pads or rags to catch drips and spills. Avoid “topping off” and leave the tank 10 percent empty to allow fuel to expand as it warms. Learn more about boat fueling.
4. Do not add soap—Avoid using soap to disperse fuel and oil spills. It increases harm to the environment, and it is illegal.
5. Minimize boat cleaning and maintenance in the water—If possible, save maintenance projects for the boatyard. When performing work on the water minimize your impact by containing waste. Learn more about boat cleaning and maintenance.
6. Reduce toxic discharges from bottom paints—Use a less toxic (or nontoxic antifouling) paint to minimize the discharge of heavy metals into the water. Dry storage is another good technique; it reduces the need for antifouling paints and saves money.
7. Dispose of hazardous waste properly—This includes paints, batteries, antifreeze, cleaning products, oil, oil filters and other hazardous wastes. Use Earth911 to find a hazardous waste collection facility or event.
8. Monitor dumping—Never discharge sewage within three miles of shore. Use Earth911 to find a harbor pump-out stations and shore-side facilities. Manage your sewage in general.
9. Stow it, don’t throw it—Keep your trash on board and out of the water. This includes cigarette butts, fishing line, or any food garbage/packaging. Take advantage of shore-side facilities to recycle plastic, glass, metal, and paper. Learn more about marine debris.
10. Reduce Greywater discharges—This is the soapy water resulting from boat maintenance. Try a phosphate-free biodegradable soap for your maintenance. Also minimize discharge by doing dishes and showers on shore whenever possible. See more tips for minimizing grey water.

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