Large items - persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
Are your bulky items classed as POPs?
Due to a legislation change from 1 January 2023, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council collects and disposes of some bulky waste, such as sofas and chairs, separately to other bulky waste, such as wardrobes.
This change is due to waste items that contain persistent organic pollutants (POPs) now needing to be incinerated, rather than taken to landfill. The fire retardant (POP) is found in most upholstered furniture such as sofas and chairs. The Environment Agency and DEFRA made these legislation changes to reduce pollution, in particular to the aquatic environment.
Items this affects include:
- Sofas/sofa beds/armchairs
- Kitchen and dining room chairs (if upholstered)
- Stools and foot stools (if upholstered)
- Home office chairs
- Futons
- Bean bags
- Floor and sofa cushions
We still collect these items, but this may mean we visit you twice, and in some circumstances on a different day. This is due to different vehicles collecting different types of waste.
This change in legislation also affects private licensed waste carriers. Please ensure that anyone taking any waste away is licensed to do so as you can be fined if items are fly-tipped and traced back to you.
You can still take these items to Leicestershire County Council recycling and household waste sites.
Last updated: 22/01/2024 16:30
