Section 3(1) in The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution by Garbage From Ships) Rules, 2009
(1)Subject to the provisions of Rules 4, 5. and 6, the disposal into the sea of -(a)all plastics, including synthetic ropes, synthetic fishing nets, plastic garbage bags and incinerator ashes from plastic products which may contain toxic or heavy metal residues shall be prohibited.(b)the disposal into the sea of following garbage shall be made, as far as practicable, from the nearest land :Provided that such disposal shall be prohibited if the distance from the nearest land is less than(i)twenty-five nautical miles for dunnage, lining and packing materials which floats;(ii)twelve nautical miles for food wastes and all other garbage including paper products, rags, glass, metal, bottles, crockery and similar refuse except that it may be permitted when it has passed through a comminuter or grinder and made, as far as practicable, from the nearest land but in no case such disposal shall be permissible if the distance from the nearest land is less than three nautical miles:Provided that such comminuted or ground garbage shall be capable of passing through a screen with opening not greater than 25 mm.
