POPs waste: the new rules for getting rid of an old sofa
Sofas, armchairs and office chairs can contain persistent organic pollutants, so they can’t be landfilled or thrown in a skip. Here’s what the rules mean for you.
· 2 min read · By the WEEE Want Your Waste team
The short version
- Upholstered seating can contain persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from old flame retardants.
- Waste upholstered seating must be destroyed, usually by high-temperature incineration. It can’t be landfilled or mixed into a skip.
- We collect POPs waste for £69 for the first item and £50 for each one after.
What are POPs?
Persistent organic pollutants are chemicals that don’t break down in the environment and build up in wildlife and people. Some flame retardants used in the foam, fabric and padding of upholstered furniture fall into this group. You can’t see them, so the rules treat all waste upholstered seating as if it contains them.
What counts as POPs waste?
- Sofas, sofa beds and armchairs
- Upholstered office chairs and dining chairs
- Footstools, pouffes and futons
- Bean bags and seat cushions
Mattresses, carpets and curtains aren’t covered by these rules. For those, see our mattress disposal guide.
What the rules mean in practice
- Upholstered seating can’t go to landfill or be put in a general skip.
- It must be kept separate from other bulky waste so it isn’t contaminated or contaminating.
- It has to go to a facility that destroys the POPs, which in practice means incineration.
- Whoever takes it away must be a registered waste carrier.
Clearing seating from offices, hotels and venues
Office refits, hotel refurbishments and pub makeovers often produce dozens of chairs at once. Keep the seating separate on site and we’ll quote for the whole load. Our POPs waste service includes the paperwork you need to show it was handled correctly.
| Number of items | Total price |
|---|---|
| 1 | £69 |
| 2 | £119 |
| 3 | £169 |
| 4 | £219 |
Common questions
Can I put an old sofa in a skip?
No. Upholstered seating counts as POPs waste and has to be kept separate and destroyed, so skip companies won’t take it in a mixed skip.
How much does sofa collection cost?
£69 for the first item and £50 for each additional item on the same booking.
Do I need to remove the cushions?
No. Leave the cushions with the sofa. They’re POPs waste too and go in the same collection.
