Dumpster Rental in St Paul: Streamline Your Cleanup with Ease

cleaning up Saint Paul

Hiring a dumpster to put your waste away can be an easy solution for junk disposal and improvement of Minnesota sustainability.

How to rent a dumpster to empty a house

You have green waste, scrap metal, glass, cardboard, wood, rubble or even DIB, dumpster rental services will be there to help unload a weight. It is very easy to reserve a skip: click on the skip corresponding to your needs, indicate where, when, what time you would like the dumpster. Confirmation will be made immediately by telephone. Make an appointment and the dumpster truck will place your dumpster at your home, on your site, for provision according to your recommendation.

Dumpster rental price

Prices vary depending on the waste you are going to put there and the volume. For the rental of a 10 yard dumpster, plan a budget of around $280 including tax. For a 20 yard skip rental around $350 including tax and finally for a 30 yard dumpster rental, $510 including tax.

The necessary authorizations: a delay to be expected

Depending on the towns or villages where you wish to rent your skip and place it such as St. Paul, you will need authorization from the road authorities for the occupation of public roads. It is very easy to do it yourself by often connecting to the website of the city concerned. In some cities, such as St Paul, you will have to pay for this location.

Need to rent a dumpster to evacuate: wood, DIB, scrap metal, cardboard, earth, rubble after demolition work? Using a dumpster truck, this will ensure rotations and transport to the waste sorting center.

Quick installation of dumpsters throughout Minnesota

Within a 50km radius around St Paul, waste management companies provide transport and waste collection using our own equipment, which complies with ecological and government standards, using rental skips. They will try to respect your availability according to the conditions.

Different types of dumpsters and services

Depending on the type of waste to be loaded, they will advise you on the types of skips to reserve:

  • Do you have rubble or earth? You should favor 10yd skips, installed on sites with difficult access, they will be your best ally in the evacuation of rubble and other heavy waste.
  • You have DIB, wood, bulky items, scrap metal, a small amount of waste to evacuate or a large pile that needs to be cleared, all you have to do is choose the appropriate volume, 20yd
  • A road space to reserve? they can take care of it

Waste collected in dumpsters

Depending on the waste, it is possible to put almost everything in the dumpsters, with a few exceptions; here they are :

  • Asbestos waste: Any waste containing asbestos, fiber cement flower box, Eternit type fiber cement roof sheet, asbestos pipes are strictly prohibited in the skips, all concealed waste will be subject to additional costs and in particular a additional flat-rate billing
  • Waste gas cylinders: All gas cylinders, flammable products, paints are prohibited. It is possible to have them collected by hazardous waste management companies
  • Waste tires: all tires must be mentioned to your driver
  • Pharmaceutical waste: all medications must be mentioned to your driver for proper sorting

Duration of dumpster rental service

Standard packages in St Paut, MN such as those offered by St Paul Dumpster Rental HQ are for installation and removal on the same day. To increase the duration of the dumpster rental, simply ask the staff who will contact you with an offer adapted to your tailor-made waste removal for your site.

What am I allowed to put in my skip

With the exception of forbidden items, everything can end up in the dumpster! Do you have a large quantity of glass? A 10yd dumpster will be well suited. Green waste? a 20yd or larger for your gardening waste! Waste management is well taken care of in St Paul.

Most frequently asked questions

You can find some of the most frequently asked questions here:

1. Can I put furniture in the dumpster? Yes, everything is possible except the waste mentioned before.

2. I only have the space of a car, can the skip fit on it? Yes, in general, our skips fit exactly where a car is located, they are adapted to this situation.

3. Can I have a skip placed underground? Unfortunately, the dumpster vehicle does not go underground. The articulated arm does not allow the dumpster to be placed underground.

4. Do offers include the installation and removal of the skip? The price you will be given will include the installation, removal and treatment of waste. No surprises!

5. How does payment work? Payment is made when the bin is placed, either by transfer or by cash. The invoice will be sent to you by email following installation.

6. What time should be expected to organize the installation? Depending on the schedule, they are able to place a skip within 24 hours.

Junk Disposal Issues in Trenton

Trenton waste

Pollution in New Jersey and how the state government is fighting it

New Jersey, a densely populated state on the East Coast of the United States, faces significant pollution challenges. The state has a long history of industrial development, which has led to high levels of air, water, and soil pollution. According to a report by the American Lung Association, New Jersey ranks among the top ten states with the worst air quality in the country. The state government has taken various measures to fight pollution and protect the environment.

One of the primary sources of pollution in New Jersey is transportation. The state is a major transportation hub, and its highways and airports contribute significantly to air pollution. The government has introduced several initiatives to promote clean transportation, such as electric vehicles and public transit. In 2020, New Jersey became the first state to adopt California’s Zero-Emission Vehicle program, which requires automakers to sell a certain percentage of electric or other zero-emission vehicles.

Another significant source of pollution in New Jersey is the industrial sector. The state is home to many industrial facilities, including refineries, chemical plants, and power plants. These facilities emit toxic substances into the air and water, causing health and environmental hazards. The state government has implemented strict regulations on the industry, including emission limits and pollution control technologies.

The state government has also taken steps to address water pollution in New Jersey. The state’s many waterways are under threat from industrial and agricultural pollution, stormwater runoff, and sewage overflows. The government has invested in upgrading wastewater treatment plants and improving stormwater management to reduce pollution levels in waterways.

New Jersey has a significant waste disposal problem, with landfills and incinerators contributing to air and soil pollution. The state government has encouraged recycling and composting to reduce waste and has implemented regulations to control the emissions from incinerators and landfills.

In recent years, the New Jersey government has also taken action to address climate change, which is one of the biggest environmental challenges facing the state. The state has set a goal to reach 100% clean energy by 2050 and has implemented policies to support renewable energy and energy efficiency. The government has also joined regional initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

In conclusion, New Jersey faces significant pollution challenges, but the state government has taken several measures to address them. These initiatives include promoting clean transportation, regulating the industrial sector, addressing water pollution, reducing waste, and fighting climate change. While there is still much work to be done, these efforts represent a positive step towards protecting the environment and the health of the state’s residents.

Waste management issues in the city Trenton, NJ

Trenton, the capital city of New Jersey, faces significant waste management issues. The city generates a large amount of waste every day, and managing it is a considerable challenge. The lack of proper waste management infrastructure and the absence of an effective recycling program exacerbate the problem.

One of the main challenges facing Trenton’s waste management system is the limited landfill capacity. The city’s landfill site is rapidly reaching its capacity, and the cost of transporting waste to other facilities is increasing. The high cost of waste disposal has led to illegal dumping of waste, which has further exacerbated the waste management problem.

Another issue is the lack of an effective recycling program in Trenton. The city has a low recycling rate, and much of the waste that could be recycled ends up in landfills. The absence of a comprehensive recycling program and inadequate public education about the importance of recycling contribute to the problem.

Trenton’s waste management system also faces challenges with regards to waste segregation. The city’s residents often do not separate their waste into different categories, such as organic waste and recyclables, which makes it difficult to manage and dispose of waste effectively. The lack of proper waste segregation also makes it challenging to implement composting programs, which could help reduce waste and provide nutrient-rich soil for gardening.

Illegal dumping of waste is also a significant problem in Trenton. The city has several areas where waste is illegally dumped, which not only contributes to the waste management problem but also poses health and environmental hazards.

Another challenge facing Trenton’s waste management system is the lack of investment in waste-to-energy facilities. These facilities could convert waste into energy and help reduce the amount of waste that needs to be transported to landfills. The lack of such facilities means that Trenton is losing out on the potential benefits of waste-to-energy technologies.

Trenton’s waste management system faces numerous challenges, including limited landfill capacity, a lack of recycling programs, inadequate waste segregation, illegal dumping, and a lack of investment in waste-to-energy facilities. Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort from the city government, waste management companies, and the residents of Trenton. A comprehensive waste management plan that incorporates innovative technologies and community engagement could help Trenton move towards a more sustainable future.

How to rent a dumpster in Trenton New Jersey

Renting a dumpster in Trenton, New Jersey, is a straightforward process that can be done in a few simple steps. Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, or business owner, renting a dumpster is an efficient way to dispose of large amounts of waste.

The first step to renting a dumpster in Trenton is to determine the size you need. Dumpster sizes range from 10 to 40 yards, and the size you choose will depend on the amount of waste you need to dispose of. A 10-yard dumpster is suitable for small projects, such as a garage cleanout, while a 40-yard dumpster is ideal for large construction projects.

After determining the size of the dumpster you need, the next step is to find a reputable dumpster rental company in Trenton. Look for companies that have a good reputation, competitive pricing, and offer flexible rental periods. You can search for dumpster rental companies online or ask for recommendations from friends or colleagues.

Once you have found a suitable dumpster rental company, the next step is to schedule the rental. Contact the company and provide them with information about the size of the dumpster you need, the duration of the rental, and the location where the dumpster will be placed. The rental company will provide you with a quote for the rental and any additional fees, such as delivery and pickup charges.

Before the dumpster is delivered, ensure that there is enough space for the dumpster and that there are no obstacles that could prevent the delivery truck from accessing the location. Once the dumpster is delivered, fill it with your waste materials, ensuring that you do not exceed the weight limit or fill the dumpster above the rim.

After you have filled the dumpster, contact the rental company to schedule the pickup. The rental company will arrange for the dumpster to be picked up and disposed of in a proper landfill or recycling facility.

Renting a dumpster in Trenton, New Jersey, is a simple process that requires determining the size you need, finding a reputable rental company, scheduling the rental, ensuring there is enough space for the dumpster, filling it with your waste materials, and scheduling the pickup. By following these steps, you can efficiently and cost-effectively dispose of large amounts of waste in a responsible and environmentally-friendly way.

Waste collection in Phoenix

recycling in Phoenix, AZ

Junk disposal, dumpster rentals and waste collection in Phoenix is done through dumpster rentals that bring all this junk to the local landfills, so it is important that these landfills have proper waste management, including leachate collection in Arizona.

Phoenix waste management

The purpose of the leachate collection system is to transport the liquid out of the discharge using dumpster rentals as quickly as possible to avoid clogging of the systems drains and the loading of waterproofing systems. Phoenix dumpster rentals are a convenient method for remove such unwanted junk and bring it to special facilities that can teat such garbage properly.

In fact, the accumulation of large amounts of leachate above the membranes could subject these to tensions likely to cause breakage. By the same occasion, the permeability of the clay barriers would be accentuated and, if necessary, the artesian pressure of the reduced aquifer, even reversed, subjecting the aquifers to significant pollution. The network of pipes installed in the draining layer of each of the cells will be taken up by a general collector accessible.

During the operation of the cells, a double general collector will even be essential for separating leachate from clean water coming from unused cells exploited. Access via an underground gallery or at the foot of the tumulus, depending on the type of discharge, must allow periodic inspection of the end of the drains main and possible cleaning after isolation by means of valves.

Indeed, the slopes on drains should prevent the accumulation of materials sedimented (risk of clogging) and route them to the end of the main drain, i.e. at the collector level. At this location, sediment removal is essential to ensure the transfer of leachate to the treatment plant.

Different embodiments of the access gallery are possible depending on local considerations. For example, the central well (a) is particularly exposed to mechanical stresses, its study requires therefore special care.

In contrast, the lateral well can be advantageous by compared to the previous one. Landfill configurations imply a slope between between 20 to 25% for the well. Junk disposal configurations with a central gallery or side is possible when the landfill is built in a tumulus or with low depth below natural ground level or against a cliff.

The leachates collected are transported by dumpsters, depending on the case, by gravity or by pumping, to a treatment station.

Phoenix waste and gas collection

In the majority of cases, the biogas produced within the waste mass has a composition that makes it flammable, and the risks are all the greater that pressurized gas pockets are likely to form due to the heterogeneity of the masses of waste. To reduce these risks, and those of conveying also toxic and polluting molecules, it is crucial to channel the biogas to a treatment station.

Acoording to the University of Phoenix research, the gases are conveyed by convection natural or preferably forced (pumping putting the landfill in slight depression) towards degassing wells and then towards the flare or the installations of Energy recovery.

Degassing wells are vertical gas drainage conduits comparable to leachate drainage systems, i.e. consisting of pipes perforated (approximately 10% of their surface is perforated), surrounded by a mass draining, all with materials that are inert in the presence of leachate and gases corrosive.

These wells have a diameter of between 0.6 and 1.2 meters and are generally spaced 35 to 50 m apart to allow relatively free gassing homogeneous throughout the landfill(the area of ​​influence of a well varies between 8 and 80 meters with an average of 30 to 35 m).

They are preferably raised gradually during operation or, when installed at the end of operation, cover at least 50 to 90% of the depth of the landfill.

They are also either connected to the leachate drainage system or equipped with a leachate pump, in order to prevent the accumulation of liquids (leachates drained by the well and condensation of the biogas) within the wells risking to clog the system of gas drainage.

In general, the pipes are made of HDPE (high density polyethylene) or comparable materials, and have a diameter of 120 to 250 mm. The part in relation to the mass of waste is perforated along the body to the base of the well. The space inside the well surrounding the collection pipe is filled with selected gravels (absence of fine particles likely to clog the pipe perforations).

The upper end of the well ends with a pipe unscreened, sliding on the screened part and crossing the cover layers which ensure a tightness to the landfill and the preferential passage of the gas towards the wells of degassing.

The wellheads (at the end of the pipe) are connected to a network of gas pipelines to treatment devices. They are also equipped with valves allowing the regulation of the flow, even the isolation of the well, and inspection hatches allowing access and possibly the cleaning of the duct, for better waste disposal.

Note that during operation, and therefore elevation of the drainage system gases, a temporary wellhead and hermetic 3 to 4 m long is placed in the extension of the well already installed and on the thickness of the future waste. Its progressive displacement is associated with the continuation of elevation of the final well.

As the gases conveyed are highly flammable, it is imperative to have a network that is perfectly sealed and protected against all damage: variations of temperature, extreme temperatures and pressures (for example, PVC is not recommended for low or even negative temperatures), sources of ignition, intense sunlight, significant condensation or freezing of condensates, etc.

Management of a landfill center in Birmingham

Alabama landfills

After describing an inventory of waste management and dumpster rental issues in Alabama and having developed the environmental aspects related to the management of household waste, we approach the technical considerations of the burial of waste.

The objectives are to provide everyone involved in the management of household waste the basic knowledge necessary for the development of a project, the establishment and management of a technical landfill center for household waste. The site selection criteria, the technical aspects related to the development and management of the landfill as well as the financial aspects will be considered.

For mainly economic reasons, landfilling is, and will probably remain for many years to come, the most widely used technique for disposing of household waste in many US states. However, dumping junk to the landfill without any precautions is a practice that is destined to disappear. Increasingly, operators are being asked to offer a number of guarantees to avoid any harmful impact of waste deposits on the environment (human and natural).

The controlled operation of a landfill therefore requires studies and prior arrangements as well as appropriate management procedures. Consequently, the term landfill is disappearing in favor of the term technical landfill center. We will try to define the minimum criteria to be respected when choosing future waste disposal sites so that the landfill has the lowest impact on its environment when it is operated.

We will provide basic knowledge on the development and management of the landfill in order to ensure the protection of the subsoil and the treatment of biogas and leachate. We will deal with the case of arid zones for which different arrangements could be envisaged. Finally, we will address the financial aspects related to the creation and management of the landfill.

Criteria for choosing landfill sites

The choice of the location of a landfill in Alabama cannot be made by chance. Different parameters must be studied in order to ensure that the landfill, once in operation and after closure, will have the lowest possible impact on the environment.

It is often important to consider several potential sites from the outset and to study the characteristics in depth, before selecting the most suitable which will host the CET. At first sight, the search for potential sites must consider a few well-established priorities:
• promote long-term (geological and hydrogeological) stability term of deposits;
• take into account that a biological activity is likely to develop in the landfill. Therefore avoid conditions that could lead to disruption of this activity;
• avoid any interaction between the landfill and the environment, in particular by protecting the hydrographic network and water reserves and by avoiding dispersion harmful gases in the atmosphere;
• take into account the accessibility of the site;
• consider the impact on the human and ecological environment;
• take into account the available and usable volume. Subsequently, potential AL sites must be evaluated according to predefined criteria including dumpster rental availability in order to identify their strengths and weaknesses. For this, it is necessary to distinguish two types of criteria:
• the exclusion criteria which define the minimum conditions of acceptance of an implantation site for a landfill. Some of these conditions could however be met but at the cost of relatively heavy investments; and site planning, dumspter access and isolation;
• the comparison criteria which will make it possible to differentiate the potential sites on the basis of quotations relating to technical considerations more or less favorable.

These criteria, whether exclusion or comparison, are part of different scientific and socio-economic fields such as geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, chemistry and land use planning. They will not constitute not a selection tool, in the most restrictive sense of the term, but rather a way to rank the potential sites according to an order of preference after a minimal study.

Let us cite, for example, standard tests carried out on samples of soil under identical conditions for each potential site; taking into account results of previous studies; the dialogue with the residents on the flora and the sedentary or passing fauna; etc This methodology is in no way a study impact in the strict sense of the term.

Whatever the results obtained with this approach, the sites finally selected in Birmingham and elsewhere in Alabama will necessarily have to be the subject of in-depth investigations, in particular according to their respective weaknesses. In particular, the results obtained obviously cannot replace any legal or contractual obligations in terms of impact assessment, even whether certain elements could serve as a basis for the latter.

Myrtle Beach Waste Disposal Options

beautiful Myrtle Beach

How To Determine The Size Of Dumpster You’ll Need?

If this is your first time renting a dumpster in Myrtle Beach, getting an accurate estimate is very important to ensure you get the best price possible.

We’re here to help, so don’t worry. When it comes to the dimensions of a 10-yard dumpster, it’s 14 feet long besides 3-12 feet high by 7-12 feet wide.

To put it another way, it can hold about 55 and 75 33-gallon garbage bags or about 3 tonnes (6,000 pounds) of trash!

Each Of These Dumpsters Can Hold A Specific Amount Of Trash:

  • 30 to 40 33-gallon garbage bags in a six-yard bin.
  • Bags that measure 10 yards by 55 and 75 33-gallon cans.
  • Trash bags that measure 15 yards by 80 of between 110 33-gallon cans
  • 110 of between 185 33-gallon garbage bags can fit in a 20-yard bin.

What Can’t You Throw Away In Dumpsters?

The waste management in Myrtle Beach is carried out by local dumpster rental services. Dumpsters can only accept “non-hazardous waste” items. People and the environment can be damaged by hazardous materials, which necessitate unique disposal methods for each.

The Following Are Examples Of Hazardous Waste That Should Never Be Disposed Of In A Dumpster:

  • The most common place to find asbestos is in older structures. 
  • When dealing with hazardous waste contamination, the EPA or hazardous waste drop-off center should be called.
  • Contact the EPA or your local hazardous waste facility for information on disposing of motor oil, lubrication system, pesticides, freon, as well as gasoline.
  • Check the container labels for instructions on disposing of household cleaners.
  • Anything flammable, such as lubricants, fuels, and propane tanks, is prohibited.
  • Dishwashers, as well as washing machines that have not been drained, are included.
  • The hollow spaces created by whole tiers of tires can enable methane gas to accumulate in landfills.
  • Toxins can be found in paints, paint thinners, timber stains, and lacquer.
  • Non-alkaline batteries include lithium, car, computer, silver-oxide, and more.
  • Waste from medical procedures can be disposed of by the EPA or indeed a local health department.
  • There are dangers associated with the use of inks as well as resins.
  • In the event of a methane leak, a hot water tank can catch the gas and cause an explosion.

A Dumpster’s Uses:

In a dumpster, you could indeed put a lot of things! A dumpster can be used to dispose of anything that is not on the above “can’t go out in a dumpster” list, so long as it is not hazardous.

Items That Can Be Disposed Of In A Dumpster Are As Follows:

  • Furniture
  • Yard trash (branches, leaves, etc.)
  • Household appliances that have run out of energy
  • Lithium-ion batteries
  • Cans of aerosol paint thinner
  • Waste from construction (wood, concrete, asphalt, etc.)
  • Junk that’s lying around the house.
  • Food
  • Electronics

So if you are looking to hire a dumpster rental near me in the Myrtle Beach area, it is best to make a search online. There are a number of local SC companies that offer such service, check their reviews to decide which best fits your waste disposal requierements.

Hazardous Waste Disposal Companies

waste management services

Prepare your home for the winter as far in advance as possible. Adhesive weather stripping stick well in warmer temperatures and it will be more comfortable for you to do the work.

Many people think of giving home improvement a shot, but too often it turns out to be to difficult for them to perform properly and they give up. Home improvement isn’t hard; all you need is the right information when doing it. Apply the information from this article to give you the confidence and motivation to get started on your home improvement project.

While it is important to express your own individuality in your home renovations, it is equally important to keep your projects in sync with neighboring properties. You won’t want to be in the position of being the only house in the neighborhood with a tower mounted atop your roof.

Adding panels to your walls can give your home a quick pick-me-up. Paneling is an inexpensive and quick way to give your home an updated look. If at any time you decide to make more changes, it is not difficult to remove and won’t damage the walls.

To increase your knowledge of home improvement projects, consider taking a class at a home improvement store. Big home improvement shops desire to do business with you, so they give out classes of how to improve your home such as painting walls or installing floors.

Learn to do as much of your home improvement project as is possible, given your skill set. You can save lots of money doing home improvement projects on your own. After all, you could pay a professional upwards of $50 an hour to work on your house. If you do it yourself, you can be proud of a job well done.

When partaking in outdoor home improvement projects, try to ask yourself if your house will stick out in a bad way in your neighborhood. If your project is daring, will you regret having a house that is radically different?

Thus, try to make alterations that stand out due to quality or an elegant appearance rather than gaudiness. It is important that you trust what your contractor tells you. Since you have done your work investigating contractors before you hired one, you can be confident that he knows what he is doing.

If your contractor advises against a particular change, trust him or her. Or, if he says something will go over-budget, it will. Maintain an open dialogue with your hired contractor.

Don’t forget about landscaping the next time you start doing home improvements. Everyone wants a nice home, but when someone is coming over, the yard is always going to be the first thing they see.

An easy way to improve the functionality of your kitchen is to clean and organize your pantry. Get rid of anything that is old or out-of-date. Give the shelves a good cleaning and add lining paper. You can then group together things when you put your items back in. This way, you won’t need to search. You’ll know exactly where to look!

When you are considering doing some home improvements, the kitchen is a great starting point. Begin with the walls and remove any grease stains with grease cutter.

As this article has shown, there are many consideration that should be taken into account before beginning any home improvement project. Home improvement is not difficult given that you have the right information. If you do the guidelines from this guide, everything will be easy.

If need be, use a waste hauling company, which is a family owned and locally managed organization, with more than 25 years knowledge in the industry of hazardous waste disposal and solutions clients nationally.

Finding a reliable hazardous waste disposal firm can be difficult if you’re unclear on where to start your search. With so many solutions available, it becomes rather challenging to make a decision on selecting one company above the other.

Now you have a new option thanks to waste management companies where you can enable us to deal with the challenging work for you while you concentrate on other facets of your business or daily schedule.

Use a hazardous waste hauling company, which is a new alternative for all businesses and residents who are in need of dependable hazardous waste removal services. Such organization are founded on the premise that meeting their client’s expectations should be the top concern on the list when executing the projects.

However, they’re also concerned with the protection of our consumers and the workers doing the task, and that’s why we make it a point to enable our consumers understand the different phases of the procedure.

At the same time they assure that they work only with removers that have been properly certified and count with the correct products to carry out the removals.

There is no question that hazardous waste disposal is a phrase that appears to be a bit daunting, and to some it has nothing to do with the house. The problem is that there are numerous household items that include chemicals and compounds that could inevitably leak, and once this takes place, your complete household runs the chance of becoming poisoned.

Efficient waste management companies like Oklahoma City dumpster rental companies want to help you to keep this from happening since it may influence the well being of your kids and your partner. They understand the fact that you may be baffled whenever having to choose a certain company to carry out the job and that’s the primary reason why they’re entirely committed to staying in steady contact with you until the project is completed.

Tankers, Big Oil and Pollution Liability

environment and pollution

Thanks to the position the US took, the international community has been unable since 1969 to agree on how to deal with victims suffering from damages polluting tankers caused and how to manage the associated waste management.

The following pages represent a personal journey in search of solutions that began some 40 years ago. Can we attain cleaner seas, pay adequate compensation and still get cheap gas for our cars and heating oil for our homes?

Having worked with tanker owners from 1965 to 1995, I might seem presumptuous to believe that an objective picture can be presented. However, 13 years’ work as a judge should hopefully provide sufficient distance to undertake a more unbiased re-examination.

In any case, my ambition is only to bring to light commercial considerations which otherwise seem disguised in legal and technical agendas. Sometimes, the forest might be hidden behind all the trees.

There is very little disagreement about the “polluter-pays principle.” In an ideal world, a polluter should be easy to identify and be compelled to pay for the damage with his own money.

It seems logical that if the principle is not applied to cover the costs of the environmental damage, either the environment has to cure itself by the process of nature, or the coastal state – and ultimately the taxpayer – has to pay for the damage caused.

In the real world, the situation is more complicated. Principles are fine, but the crucial test is their implementation in practice. In general, a major problem remains: To find – often hidden behind the curtains – the concurring polluters.

The tanker owner is the easy target. The standards of tankers vary from vessel to vessel. Most of the tankers in the world fleet are well maintained.

But not all.

During the last decade, increased attention has also been paid to oil companies that select old, low-cost tankers to carry their oil. Thereby, financial results improve and shareholders are happy to see the dividend going up.

The story about the 24-year-old tanker, Erika, hoisting the flag of Malta illustrates the role of the other participants involved in the game of marine oil transportation.

Pollution management

Ship management, manning, operations, maintenance and cargo-handling are closely interlinked functions that need to be considered in unison if tankers are to be operated in the optimum manner.

A number of initiatives have been taken to improve safety and avoid pollution. It may be fair to say that the tanker safety record has improved more or less steadily after the enforcement of the MARPOL Convention of 1973/78 and a series of mutually reinforcing industry mechanisms introduced after 1980.

On the surface, the “polluter-pays principle” is just fine. But the quality of the classification societies, the navigational aids governments provided, together with the role of the insurers, the pilots and the terminal or harbour masters, as well as the charterers, are all relevant elements when considering the value of the “polluter-pays principle.” As important links in the marine safety chain, they deserve proper attention.

Waste management solutions

This book seeks to show how the various actors are involved: Cargo owners, charterers, tanker owners, classification societies, port authorities, terminals, pilots and the salvage industry. Together, these groups form the links in what may be seen as the “responsibility chain.”

By focusing on the master of the tanker as the only accountable part, together with the owner, one is running the risk of contributing to “a culture of blame” which might hide the real reasons for pollution accidents and the loss of life at sea.

Each of the groups mentioned forms a part of the fabric that controls a tanker, and it is essential that all parties involved follow up their obligations of their contribution to the transport chain. If one or more links fails to perform, a serious accident might occur.

The Greek shipowner Philip Embiricos, who for several years was a major “safety spokesman” of the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO), presented his view in the association’s 1997 annual review of “The Chain of Responsibility.”

On the following pages, the focus is on oil tankers – ships that carry or are designed to carry oil as cargo. Prevention will always be better than cure, but even so, the reader will find only minor references to the technical discussions about safety rules and pollution prevention.

Information on that important subject will have to be sought elsewhere. Instead, the intention is to review the “cure,” which on the following pages is the development of compensation and liability rules in light of their origin and a number of spectacular tanker accidents.

Notes: A report, “Ships of Shame” from the Australian House of Representatives’ Standing Committee on Transport, sent to the Parliament in December 1992 states (paragraph 25): “While incidents involving oil tankers have recently received publicity, the Kirki for example, the Committee has not received a great deal of evidence concerning the operation of oil tankers.

It is generally recognised that the condition of oil tankers are better than dry bulk carriers.”

The “polluter-pays principle” is a cornerstone in environmental policies. Its first official mentioning seems to be in 1972 in a recommendation the OECD Council passed.

It is later adopted by a number of bodies such as IMO and the European Community. It is no legal rule in the strict sense, rather a policy declaration or a slogan that appeals to common sense: “If you make a mess, it is your duty to clean it up. If there is damage, you should repair.” It says a lot, but lacks a clear definition and may perhaps sometimes serve as a soporific for an impatient regulator.