Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

From this point onwards, the team at Midland Skip Hire will be unable to allow the mixing of items which contain POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) with other items in a skip.

That’s because legislation changed in 2022 to instruct that any items containing POPs must be incinerated, rather than recycled or placed into landfill, and must never be allowed to contaminate other item.

What are POPs?

POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) are harmful organic chemicals that are resistant to degradation.

This means that if they are not handled or managed correctly, they can find their way into food chains and the wider environment, negatively impacting human and environmental health.

What are the new rules?

In 2022, new guidance was launched by the Environment Agency surrounding the collection and disposal of any items that contain POPs.

They are found most commonly in textiles and foam of upholstered seating, and were initially used as flame retardants.

While POPs are now banned for this purpose, some furniture used in the UK still contains them.

To minimise the impact on environmental and human health, the law now outlines that any POP-containing waste must never be recycled, re-used or put into landfill – rather, it must be incinerated.

What does it mean for our customers?

Due to this legislation, here at Midland Skip Hire, we have to change how we receive, store and process upholstered domestic seating that contains POPs.

We can no longer allow items which contain POPs to be put into a skip alongside other items – this is to prevent the contamination of other types of waste.

Generally, POP-containing items may include: sofas, sofa beds, kitchen and dining room chairs, home office chairs, bean bags, stools and footstools, futons, and cushions.

If you have these items to dispose of, we recommend that you contact your local council recycling facility for further guidance.

If you want some friendly advice about the services of Midland Skip Hire, just get in touch with our team.

Call our friendly staff on 0194 984 5384 or Enquire online.