Managing waste with Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

Overview

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are found in upholstered domestic seating (including sofas, armchairs and upholstered dining and office chairs). These items contain a chemical which has been banned since 2019.

The law requires that any soft furnishings with POPs that you want to get rid of are destroyed. This must be done at a fully licensed facility (such as an Energy from Waste facility) and must not be landfilled.

If waste with POPs is not managed responsibly, it can cause damage to the wider environment.

Items with POPs

Upholstered items which are made of or contain leather, synthetic leather, other fabric, or foam may contain POPs.

This includes:

Sofas / sofa beds
Armchairs
Kitchen and dining room chairs (if upholstered)
Stools and foot stools (if upholstered)
Home office chairs
Futons
Bean bags
Floor and sofa cushions (not scatter cushions)
Any other upholstered items that can be described as a form of seating used by households, this might include child car seats, highchairs, and benches

Mattresses, curtains, blinds and beds are not domestic seating and are not included.

Items without POPs

The following items are unlikely to contain POPs:

Items that are not upholstered, for example, a wooden chair without a cushioned or textile back, seat, or arms
Deckchairs
New seating that the manufacturer has said do not to contain POPs

Collecting POPs with bulky waste

We can still collect items containing POPs on a bulky waste collection. You need to include all of the above items when you make your booking and leave items that may contain POPs separate from other items you may have requested to be taken.

If your items are damaged

If items are damaged, ripped or torn, the damage must be repaired and have no foam exposed.

Please repair the item, for example taping it up, so we can safely collect and dispose of it. Any items that have not been repaired well enough, will not be taken and we will not be able to return. This will need to be re-booked for another collection.

If you are uncertain whether an item contains POPs, securely cover any damage put it out for collection separately.

Re-using upholstered seating

Items you no longer want can be reused, as long as it is not damaged beyond minor repair and has a fire safety label attached.

These can also be donated to charities.

For more information, see GOV.UK: Reusing upholstered domestic seating containing POPs.

Using the recycling village

POPs can be taken to Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRC). The staff on the site will direct you to the correct skip. Make sure you follow the guidance and repair any damage.

Private licensed waste carriers

This change in legislation also affects private licensed waste carriers. Make sure that anyone taking any waste away is licensed to do so as you can be fined if items are fly-tipped and traced back to you.

For more information, see GOV.UK: POPs guidance and legislation.