Changes to how waste upholstered domestic seating (WUDS) must be disposed of came into effect on 1 February 2024 following updated guidance on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are chemicals that can harm the environment if not managed correctly. They are often found in older upholstered furniture due to the use of flame-retardant chemicals, such as decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE), which was banned in 2019.
Items produced after 2019 should not contain these substances. However, to ensure all potentially affected items are managed safely, all WUDS must now be handled separately at disposal.
WUDS includes items such as:
- sofas and sofa beds
- armchairs
- kitchen and dining room chairs
- upholstered stools and foot stools
- home office chairs
- futons, bean bags and floor or sofa cushions
- electrical recliner chairs
This applies to any item that contains leather, synthetic leather, fabric or foam.
Other soft furnishings are not included, as upholstered seating has been identified as containing higher levels of POPs.
As a result of guidance, WUDS must now be kept separate from other waste and cannot be disposed of as general bulky waste. Recycling centres in Perth and Kinross have introduced separate arrangements for bulky waste and WUDS, where space allows, to support this requirement.
For businesses, WUDS must be disposed of using the correct route. This may include disposal at the Friarton Weighbridge, using recycling centres where available, or arranging collection through skip hire or commercial waste services. Materials must be kept separate, and the appropriate charges will apply.
Where recycling centres are used, separate pre-paid vouchers are required for bulky waste and WUDS. Vouchers must be presented to the Site Attendant and are only valid for the specified material type. Mixed loads containing WUDS will be treated as WUDS waste and charged accordingly.
Not all recycling centres accept WUDS, so it is important to check before visiting.
For all costings and to check what recycling centre accepts WUDS, visit our Commercial Permit webpage.
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 the Council dealing with waste containing Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)?
Waste upholstered domestic seating containing 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?
These procedures have been in place since 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 (POPs) 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).
