Cruise ships generate hundreds of thousands of tonnes of human waste each year, but where does it all go? The answer to this question may surprise you. Cruise ships are required to adhere to strict regulations regarding the disposal of human waste and other materials, so the answer may not be as straightforward as you think.
The first step in disposing of human waste is to store it in holding tanks located on the ship. These tanks are designed to contain solid and liquid waste until it can be offloaded at a port or treated by onboard facilities.
Before a ship can enter port, it must obtain permission from local authorities who will inspect its holding tanks for any signs of contamination or pollution. If approved, the ship will be allowed to offload the contents of its tank onto a treatment facility at the port.
Once a ship has been cleared for entry into port, its human waste is typically taken to an on-site wastewater treatment plant. These plants use physical, chemical, and biological processes to cleanse wastewater before releasing it back into the environment. Treatment plants also use bacteria and enzymes to break down solid waste, which is then disposed of in landfills.
In some cases, cruise ships may discharge their untreated wastewater directly into the ocean in areas that are considered safe for such activity. However, this practice is highly regulated and only allowed if certain criteria are met.
Conclusion
Where does human waste go on a cruise ship? The answer is that it depends on local regulations and facility availability.
In most cases, human waste is taken to an on-site wastewater treatment plant for processing before being released back into the environment or disposed of in landfills. In rare cases where such facilities aren’t available or environmental conditions permit, untreated wastewater may be discharged into the ocean.