In accordance with international MARPOL Annex V regulations and federal regulations under 33 CFR Subchapter O, the discharge of plastics into the sea or the navigable waters of the United States is strictly prohibited. Which of the following statements is true concerning the legal disposal of plastics?

Correct Answer: Option A — The garbage containing plastics must be either discharged ashore to an approved reception facility or incinerated onboard the ship.

MARPOL Annex V and 33 CFR Part 151 strictly prohibit the discharge of plastics into the sea. Compliance requires that plastic waste be retained onboard for discharge to an authorized shore-side reception facility or processed through an approved shipboard incinerator, ensuring no plastic enters the marine environment.