What Happens to Poop on a Cruise Ship?

By Anna Duncan

Have you ever wondered what happens to all the poop on a cruise ship? Cruise ships are enormous and generate a huge amount of waste, including human waste. To make sure that this waste is properly disposed of, cruise ships have very specific systems in place for dealing with it.

Sewage System

Cruise ships have a number of onboard sewage systems to collect and process human waste. These systems typically include holding tanks and macerators, which break down the waste into smaller pieces so it can be more easily removed from the ship. The wastewater is then treated in an onboard wastewater treatment plant before being released into the ocean.

Graywater System

In addition to sewage, cruise ships also have to deal with graywater, which is wastewater from sinks, showers, and other sources. This graywater is also processed in an onboard treatment plant before being released into the ocean. Cruise ships must adhere to strict regulations regarding how and when they can discharge their wastewater into the ocean.

Bilge Water System

Cruise ships also have a bilge water system, which collects water from all over the ship and pumps it overboard. This water contains traces of oil, fuel, and other pollutants that cannot be processed in any onboard treatment plant. As such, these bilge waters are discharged directly into the ocean without any treatment whatsoever.

Conclusion:

Cruising has become increasingly popular over recent years as more people look for an enjoyable way to explore new destinations around the world. However, it’s important to remember that cruise ships generate a lot of waste – including human waste – that needs to be managed carefully so as not to pollute our oceans and seas. Onboard sewage systems help process this waste before it is released into the ocean while bilge water systems directly release pollutants without any treatment at all.