What unit of measure is typically used to express volumes of garbage disposal on ships?

Cubic meters is the appropriate unit of measure for expressing volumes of garbage disposal on ships because it quantifies the three-dimensional space that waste occupies. In maritime contexts, waste management systems are designed to handle and store garbage in a manner that ensures compliance with environmental regulations. Since waste is typically stored in specific containers or compartments with a defined volume, using cubic meters provides a clear understanding of how much waste can be contained and managed onboard.

Using pounds or gallons would not be suitable for this scenario because pounds measure weight rather than volume, which doesn't provide insight into the space that garbage occupies. Gallons, while a volume measurement, are more commonly used for liquids. In contrast, square feet measures area rather than volume, making it irrelevant for understanding the storage capacity of garbage. Thus, cubic meters stands out as the most relevant and accurate unit for describing the volume of waste on a ship.