Plastics Removal in a Marine Environment (PRIME) An Overview.
Abstract
Plastic Removal in a Marine Environment (PRIME) is a response by the U.S. Navy to comply with the international Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships and Public Law 100-220, the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act. The Navy is charged with complete elimination of the discharge of plastics into the oceans and waterways. This project was conducted to explore alternative methods to comply with the prohibition. The project focussed on foodservice operations. Areas examined included biodegradables application, densifying equipment, microbiological considerations, recycling, source reduction, and specifications. The methods of evaluation included shipboard and shoreside personnel surveys. A wide range of groups were involved, including Defense, industry, and academia. The Navy is complying primarily by onboard storage of waste plastic until it can be off-loaded to a shore facility. The shortage of shipboard stowage space is partially alleviated through the reduction of the amount of plastic used. New plastic waste-processing equipment now being developed will further alleviate the problem through a high densification process while reducing sanitation concerns.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA294384
Entities
People
- Joseph Wall
Organizations
- United States Army Soldier Systems Center