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Ohio’s Litter Laws

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Ohio’s Litter Laws and Environmental Regulations

Ohio’s litter laws state that no operator or occupants shall discard litter improperly from any vessel, regardless of intent. No operator shall allow litter to be discarded.

Refuse Disposal Prohibited

No person shall discard litter on land, in a waterway or on the bank of a waterway where it could be washed into the water.

Marine Sanitation Devices (MSDs)

Except on Lake Erie, the Muskingum River and the Ohio River, no person shall launch, moor, dock, operate or permit to be operated any boat with a sink, toilet, or sanitary system capable of discharging urine, fecal matter, contents of a chemical commode, kitchen wastes, laundry wastes, slop sink drainage, or other household wastes into Ohio waters. Such a sink, toilet, or sanitary system shall be removed, sealed or made to drain into a tank or reservoir that can be carried or pumped ashore for disposal in an approved sewage treatment works.

MSDs On Lake Erie, the Muskingum River and the Ohio River:

All recreational vessels with installed toilet facilities must have an operable MSD on board. Vessels 65 feet and under may use a U.S. Coast Guard certified Type I, II or III MSD. Vessels over 65 feet must install a U.S. Coast Guard certified Type II or III MSD. Coast Guard certified devices are so labeled except for some holding tanks, which are certified by definition under federal regulations.

Aquatic Invasive Species in Ohio

The spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), also known as Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS), pose a risk to Ohio’s native aquatic wildlife, ecosystems and to all of Ohio’s water-based recreation. Ohio’s most common AIS include: Asian Carp, Zebra Mussels, Flowering Rush, Round Goby, Ruffe, Rusty Crayfish, Sea Lamprey, and White Perch.

Unfortunately, Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) spread easily from one body of water to the next, which is why boaters must take preventative measures each time they leave the water.

Perform the following actions every time your boat leaves a waterway:

Look closely for AIS and remove anything you find before leaving the access area!
Always drain live wells and transom wells before leaving the water.
Never dump live bait into a waterway.
Wash, rinse and air-dry your boat before you leave the area!

To learn more about preventing the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in Ohio, visit http://ohiodnr.gov/ais