What specific environmental regulation governs the safe disposal of aircraft lavatory waste?

The specific environmental regulations governing the safe disposal of aircraft lavatory waste vary depending on the country and local jurisdiction, but they are generally encompassed within broader wastewater treatment and disposal regulations. In the United States, the Clean Water Act (CWA) sets the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into waters of the United States and regulates the proper treatment and disposal of sewage. States and local municipalities also have their own regulations that may be more stringent. Internationally, the specific regulations will be dictated by the local laws of the airport and the country in which it is located, often mirroring the principles of proper wastewater management found in regulations like the CWA. These regulations typically mandate that lavatory waste be treated at an approved wastewater treatment facility to remove contaminants before being discharged into the environment. The waste must be transported and handled in a manner that prevents spills and releases, and proper record-keeping is required to document the disposal process. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant fines and penalties.