Discharge ban
Discharging toilet waste from leisure boats into the water is prohibited. The ban applies to all leisure boats except those with heritage (k-märkt) status. It applies in all lakes and watercourses and in designated coastal areas – the main principle is that no discharge may take place within Swedish territorial waters.
The aim is to reduce eutrophication and the amount of harmful bacteria in nearby waters.
Harbours' responsibilities
- Marinas must be able to accept the waste boats need to leave: toilet waste, household waste and hazardous waste.
- The rules are set out in Transportstyrelsen's regulation TSFS 2023:12, in force since 1 May 2023.
- Reception facilities must work, have adequate capacity, be properly located and be repaired without delay.
- The marina's waste management plan must be approved by the municipality.
The municipality is responsible for enforcement
Since 1 May 2023, municipalities have been responsible for supervising waste management at leisure boat harbours. If a harbour lacks a plan or working reception facilities, the municipality can impose a penalty fee (from January 2024). Transportstyrelsen's harbour map is no longer updated – ask the municipality where the pump-out stations are.
Harbours must also submit their plan for receiving and handling waste to the municipality for approval – previously it was enough for the plan to exist. The regulation replaced SJÖFS 2001:13 and is based on EU rules against marine litter.
Fees
Marinas may cover waste reception through berth, harbour or guest harbour fees. For toilet waste, they may charge a direct fee for part of the waste.
Other waste from the boat
- Household waste: use the harbour's bins, never the water.
- Hazardous waste: waste oil, oil filters, oily rags, leftover paint and batteries go to the harbour's reception facility or the municipal recycling centre.
- Waste oil must not be released into water, soil or drains under the Swedish waste oil ordinance.
If the harbour has no working reception facility, contact the municipality, which is responsible for oversight.
What to do as a boat owner
- Have a holding tank or portable toilet – no direct discharge.
- Look for the international pump-out symbol at the marina. It is defined in the SS-EN ISO 8099 standard.
- Empty regularly and leave other waste ashore.
- Ask the municipality where the nearest pump-out station is – Transportstyrelsen's marina map is no longer updated.
- Need to rebuild or replace the tank, hoses or valves? Ask a boatyard for a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Can you empty a boat toilet into the water?
No. Discharging toilet waste from leisure boats is prohibited in Sweden, except for k-märkta (heritage-listed) boats.
Where do I empty my holding tank?
At pump-out stations in marinas, marked with the international pump-out symbol. Your municipality can tell you where the stations are.
Who checks that the harbour accepts waste?
The municipality, since 1 May 2023. The municipality can charge a penalty fee if the marina lacks a plan or reception facilities.
Is there a charge for pumping out the toilet?
Harbours may charge a direct fee for part of the toilet waste. Other waste reception is paid for indirectly through harbour fees.
Does the ban apply to lakes too?
Yes. In addition to designated coastal areas, the discharge ban covers all lakes and watercourses in Sweden.
Sources
- Avfall från fritidsbåtar, Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se
- Mottagning av avfall i hamn (TSFS 2023:12), Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se
- Symbol för sugtömning, Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se
- Förordning (1993:1268) om spillolja, Sveriges riksdag riksdagen.se