On 1st February 2024, there were changes made to the way Waste Upholstered Domestic Seating (WUDS) are to be disposed of, due to new guidance surrounding Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). POPs are organic chemical substances which pose a risk to the environment if not managed correctly. POPs are usually present as a result of a flame-retardant chemical, decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE), which has been banned since 2019 and is no longer used.
WUDS include:
- Sofas/Sofa beds
- Armchairs
- Kitchen and dining room chairs
- Stools and foot stools (upholstered)
- Home office chairs
- Futons, bean bags and, floor and sofa cushions
- Electrical recliner chairs
This list includes any part made of or containing leather, synthetic leather, other fabric, or foam. This legislation does not apply to other soft furnishings as upholstered domestic seating has been found to contain the highest levels of POPs.
A high percentage of soft furnishings your business may dispose of will have fire retardants applied to them in order to meet Fire Safety Standards. It is possible that some of these items will have fire retardants that contain identified POPs but not at levels that can cause concern to the environment.
Soft furnishings bought new after 2019 should not contain fire retardants containing the current list of identified POPs, as legislation to ban the use of POPs in WUDS has been in place since 2019. To ensure that all items potentially including POPs are fully and safely destroyed, new guidance (2024) following legislation (2007) requires that such items are all segregated at the point of disposal.
Authorities responsible for managing WUDS were required by law to change their processes for dealing with waste potentially containing POPs.
A simple change of splitting bulky waste and WUDS into two separate skips at all Recycling Centres in Perth and Kinross, where space allows, has been implemented. This means businesses who wish to dispose of WUDS will be required to purchase separate Bulky Waste and WUDS vouchers to dispose of these items.
You can purchase pre-paid Recycling Centre Permits over the phone on 01738 476476 and these will be posted out to you. It may take up to 7 days to receive these, subject to postal delays.
There is no minimum order and a full breakdown of costs are shown in the tables below. Please note, prices are valid up to 31 March 2024.
You can also purchase a part load voucher for each vehicle type. The part load will allow you dispose of up to 50% of the load capacity of the vehicle.
To use any of the pre-paid vouchers, simply present the voucher to the Site Attendant on duty who will let you dispose of the correct materials. Vouchers are only valid for the materials described. Any mixed loads of waste containing WUDS will be treated as WUDS waste, and will be charged as such.
All attendants at Recycling Centres are aware of this change and can offer guidance where necessary.
Please call ahead to check if a Recycling Centre accepts WUDS.
FAQs
How should I dispose of my Waste Upholstered Domestic Seating?
For commercial customers WUDS can be disposed of at Friarton Weighbridge, by purchasing pre-paid Recycling Centre Permits or skip hire.
Can I dispose of Waste Upholstered Domestic Seating at the kerbside or in my green-lidded bin?
No, this cannot be disposed of in your green-lidded bin.
The law requires that any waste upholstered domestic seating is kept separate from all other waste where it is reasonable and feasible to do so.
Will Waste Upholstered Domestic Seating still be included in Bulky Uplifts?
Yes, however there are alternative options for bulky uplifts containing WUDS which are charged differently to a normal bulky uplift.
How is Perth and Kinross Council dealing with waste containing POPs?
Waste upholstered domestic seating containing Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) which is brought to Recycling centres will be sent for Energy Recovery in line with legislative guidance.
Any waste containing POPs will be safely incinerated to generate electricity, ensuring these chemicals are destroyed or irreversibly transformed and cannot be released into the wider environment.
When did the new compliance procedures come into effect?
The new compliance procedures came into effect on 1 January 2023, however, there has been a period to settle into this change, which will be enforced from 1 February 2024.
Why can't I cut up my sofa (or other upholstered domestic seating) to take it to a Recycling Centre?
It is advisable that the item is kept whole where feasible, this is due to the risk of textiles or foam containing Persistent Organic Pollutants entering the environment upon transport. It is advised bin bags/ plastic is used to wrap any exposed areas.
Is my upholstered domestic seating dangerous?
Risk of exposure to persistent organic pollutants from your upholstered domestic seating is low.
Regular vacuuming of upholstered domestic seating is recommended to reduce risk of exposure as well as repairing any damage.
Taking upholstered seating items apart increases the risk of allowing the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) to be released into the environment and may increase your risk of being exposed to them.
Is my new sofa (post 2019) still flame retardant?
Yes, all domestic seating produced must meet stringent UK flammability tests that comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988.
Items purchased after 2019 still meet Fire Safety regulations, however chemicals used are not classed as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
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