From January 6, 2023, new rules were applied to how Waste Upholstered Domestic Seating (WUDS) containing Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) must be handled and disposed of in Scotland. These changes were introduced by SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) to ensure that harmful chemicals in upholstered seating are destroyed through incineration, as they are no longer allowed to be recycled or sent to landfill.
What Are POPs?
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are toxic chemicals that break down very slowly and can build up in the environment and food chains. They were commonly used in the production of household items like sofas, chairs, and cushions.
While the use of POPs has been banned, many older pieces of furniture still contain these chemicals, which makes their disposal more complicated and costly.
Which Items Are Affected?
Any upholstered domestic seating from homes or businesses could contain POPs. This includes:
Sofas and sofa beds
Armchairs
Kitchen and dining chairs
Stools and footstools
Home office chairs
Futons
Beanbags
If an item is upholstered and contains leather, synthetic leather, fabric, or foam, it is assumed to contain POPs and must be disposed of properly.
Why Are There Extra Charges for These Items?
Due to the new regulations, upholstered items containing POPs cannot be recycled or sent to landfill. Instead, they must be carefully stored and then sent for specialist incineration. This process is more expensive than standard waste disposal, which is why additional charges have to be introduced to cover these costs.
For example: Do we want to mention prices? It is just examples
Sofas and armchairs – £50 + VAT per item
Smaller chairs,– £25 + VAT per item
Fly-Tipping and Illegal Collections – Be Aware
With the introduction of these new rules, there is a risk that illegal waste collectors may offer "too-good-to-be-true" prices for removing these items.
👉 Pro Tip: Be cautious of waste collection services offering bargain rates for disposing of upholstered furniture. These companies may not follow legal disposal regulations, which could lead to your items being fly-tipped or handled illegally.
Always choose a licensed, SEPA-compliant waste collection service to ensure your waste is managed responsibly.
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