What are POPs regulations?

POPs regulations are the rules on persistent organic pollutants, flame-retardant chemicals found in the foam and fabric of older upholstered seating. Environment Agency guidance (December 2022) says waste upholstered seating that may contain POPs must be incinerated at a site authorised for it. It cannot go to landfill, and the foam and fabric cannot be stripped for recycling. The rule covers sofas, sofa beds, armchairs, recliners, futons and office chairs made to domestic fire standards, whether they come from a home or a business. For a business it means sofas and padded chairs cost more to dispose of than a desk. Our bulky waste collection prices upholstered items per item for that reason.