We have had a lot to contend with in business these past few years and the latest is POPs. No, it is not a new strain of Coronavirus, it is waste upholstered domestic seating. The Environment Agency announced in December 2022 that the back of the covers and the foam in sofas, chairs, bean bags …contain persistent organic pollutants. So, that innocent comfy sofa you relax on contains dangerous chemicals, decabromodiphenyl ether (DecaBDE) being the most common, this turns it into special waste when you come to dispose of it.
So, what do you, as a producer of waste, need to know about POPs?
- You have a Duty of Care to identify waste domestic seating from households or businesses that may contain POPs: sofas, sofa beds, armchairs, kitchen & dining chairs, stools & foot stools, home office chairs, futons, bean bags, floor and sofa cushions.
- These items should not be mixed with other waste.
- The Waste Transfer Note you are given by the company who removes POPs for you should classify the waste as “domestic seating containing POPs” EWC code: 20 03 07. You may be asked for this as evidence if you have an audit from The Environment Agency.
How can Bucks Recycling Help?
- We can offer a cage collection service for POPs items.
- We will provide compliant Waste Transfer Notes for you.
- We will manage the POPs waste in accordance with the new legislation.
Please feel free to contact us to speak with one of our waste experts.