What are Persistent Organic Pollutants?
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), are harmful chemicals that do not break down easily and can get into our food. They stay in the environment for a long time, spread everywhere, and build up in the fat of people and animals. POPs can make us ill and harm the environment. POPs used to be in pesticides and industrial chemicals, but now the manufacture, sale and use of products containing POPs is now banned. However, some old items still have these chemicals.
Why are we doing this?
From 1 December 2024, we must separate items with POPs. This rule affects waste services all over the UK. We are working with our waste services operator, SUEZ, to make this change as smooth as possible.
Why is this being introduced with such short notice?
We and the UK waste industry have been talking to the Environment Agency (EA), to try to change or delay this rule. These talks are still happening, but we now know we must follow the law by 1 December.
Why is only domestic seating requiring segregation?
Sofas and cushions often have POPs and other harmful chemicals. The EA found that many of these items have high levels of POPs, much more than the legal limit – the average was four times the legal concentration limit.
Does all domestic seating contain Persistent Organic Pollutants?
No, but testing for POPs is hard and expensive. So, all domestic seating must be treated as if it has POPs and separated accordingly.