POPS Regulations

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) remain intact in the environment for long periods, and if not disposed of properly become widely distributed geographically. They accumulate in the fatty tissues of humans and wildlife and have harmful impact on human health and on the environment.

The Environment Agency has undertaken investigation and confirmed the widespread presence of very large quantities of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and other hazardous chemicals in both textiles and foam of waste upholstered domestic seating. These chemicals were used as flame retardants are now banned.

Law requires that POPs in waste are destroyed to prevent lasting environmental harm and impacts on the food chain. This means ways containing POPs must be incinerated and must not be reused, recycled, or landfilled. Most treatment is also prohibited. Your duty of care means you must make sure the waste you produce is described and managed appropriately both to you and anyone the waste is transferred to.

What items are affected?

Waste upholstered domestic seating, includes any item of upholstered seating of a household type from households or businesses that is waste. For example, Sofas, Sofa beds, armchairs, kitchen and dining room chairs, stools and footstools, home office chairs, futons, beanbags, floor and sofa cushions.

What must we take to ensure compliance?

Going forward, we will no longer be able to accept these items commingled within your other waste. They must be segregated and collected separately. This is because any material that POPs containing waste comes into contact with, is then also classed as POP contaminated and has to be treated as such. If your business produces POPs contaminated waste them please get in touch with our sales team for prices for compliant disposal.

If you wish to discuss your requirements further don’t hesitate to contact a friendly member of the sales team.