Marine: Cleaner Seas report
Inputs from land
Dumping
The UK has phased out most forms of sea dumping of wastes. Sea dumping of radioactive waste ceased in 1982. Incineration of waste at sea has not been permitted since 1990. The sea dumping of industrial waste ended in 1992 and the dumping of sewage sludge will be phased out by the end of 1998.Under international agreements, a few categories of natural and inert materials, such as the 'spoil' produced during dredging operations, may still be considered for direct sea disposal. Such dumping operations are only permitted following careful examination of the proposals, and are subject to strict controls.
Page last modified:
01 March 2005
Page published: 21 September 1988