Waste reception and disposal

Protecting the environment and water quality

Please remember, it is an offence to put any solid or liquid polluting material into the harbour

Protecting the harbour environment, for amenity use and wildlife is important, and all users of water-based craft have a part to play.

Please dispose of your waste responsibly in Bristol Floating Harbour.

Possible health risks associated with open water do exist but can be reduced, provided care is taken all users are aware of the possible hazards.

Weekly water quality testing is carried out regularly throughout Bristol Harbour to identify problems and improve the harbour for everyone. Results are posted up on display boards at Baltic Wharf Leisure Centre. 

More information

• Email the Harbour Office at harbour.office@bristol.gov.uk to get copies of leaflets relating to water quality.
• Water quality monitoring and health advice.
• View a map of the harbour (pdf, 1.7 MB).

Bunkering

All vessels and vehicles wishing to transfer bulk fuel oils, oils or waste oils must:

• Contact the Harbour Master and
• complete and return a Bunker Check List form.

Refuse disposal

Refuse containers, bins or skips

The are provided at the positions shown on the harbour map.

Large items

Large items should not be placed in the cylindrical containers or bins. A skip is available at Underfall Yard for large items. A small charge may be made for this facility.

Bottle banks

Bottle Banks and other segregated waste facilities are shown on the harbour map.

Download the harbour map from the related documents section.

Self operated pump out system - Canons Marsh inlet

The system is dependent on a reasonable ratio of liquid to solid waste to operate properly. Following these notes will make sure the system continues to work properly for all users:

• Sanitary towels, panty liners, nappies, nappy liners, plastic and rubber products should be disposed of in waste bins and never be flushed into waste holding tanks.
• Liquid waste should be discharged into the waste holding tanks and not discharged separately from solid waste.
• Always make sure a good seal is formed between the suction hose fitting and the deck fitting and the suction hose valve tap is fully located.
• Make sure you allow sufficient time for the vacuum pressure to build before opening the suction pipe tap.
• Always use the fresh water hose and rinse facility after you have emptied the tank. The pump is automatically programmed to allow this.
• Report any problem immediately to the Harbour Office.

Toilets, showers and Elsan disposal points

There are toilet blocks at four locations (see harbour map). To prevent vandalism they are locked and accessible only to key-holders. Licence holders and visitors can get a key from the Harbour Office.

• There are Elsan disposal points next to the shower.
• There are free shower facilities at Baltic Wharf Water Leisure Centre for licence holders.
• Shower (code access) and disabled toilets are available at Wapping Wharf.
• Unisex toilet and shower are available at the Mud Dock (code access).
• Toilets, Showers, Elsan disposal are available at Bathurst Basin (code access). Please do not use toilets for Elsan disposal.

Used batteries

Used batteries can be disposed of at Underfall Yard.

Waste oil disposal

A waste oil disposal facility is available at the Underfall Yard and Bristol Marina. Oily bilge water may be disposed of at Underfall Yard.