Repercussions of Changes to Domestic Seating Disposal Guidance

pile of broken furniture

The Environment Agency has updated its guidance for disposal of waste domestic seating (sofas, armchairs, sofa beds etc). The advice now is that all such seating should be incinerated. With the guidance due to be enforced from January 2023, we could be looking at repercussions that extend across the waste disposal industry.

Following an investigation that revealed waste domestic seating was leaking Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) when disposed of in landfill, the Environment Agency has updated its guidance. Seating containing foam that releases POPs should now only be incinerated and the assumption should be that all foam seating is pollutant unless it can be demonstrated otherwise.

Impact on Industry

This change could have far-reaching impacts on many sectors of the waste industry. Here in Norfolk, we don’t have incineration locally. Companies specialising in the disposal of bulky waste are going to have to factor that into their charges. When prices go up for this kind of service, people may be tempted by illegal waste disposal companies offering seemingly bargain rates – with a resultant increase in fly tipping.

The Environmental Services Association (ESA) has described the timescale for the new guidelines as “disproportionate”. On behalf of their members, they requested a 12 month pause in the proposals.

Clarification from the EA

The Environment Agency responded by backpedalling a little. In a clarification issued last week, they said:

“From January 2023 we will review the state of compliance. We will then contact those local authorities who did not confirm compliance so we can understand their activities and needs, provide support where appropriate, and further encourage compliance promptly. We are also keen to ensure that we support economic growth as far as we reasonably can.”

A second phase is due to start in August 2023. This will look at compliance at individual sites. Giving the industry time to adjust to the new legislation and support to achieve compliance is to be welcomed, but it does not solve the problem of the location of incinerators.

At WT Skips, we are always careful to ensure that waste is disposed of in a manner that is compliant with current legislation. Using our services means you can guarantee that all of your waste will be disposed of legally and responsibly. To order a skip, use our online booking form or give us a call on 01493 668118