Upholstered seating

Changes to how we dispose of upholstered seating

From 1 December 2024 there will be changes to the way upholstered seating is managed and disposed of.

We will only be able to accept these items at seven of our recycling centres.

From 1 December the Environment Agency will require us to manage and dispose of upholstered seating separately from all other waste. At recycling centres that accept these items, we will provide a separate container.

These changes are happening because there is new guidance surrounding Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). POPs are organic chemical substances which pose a risk to the environment if not managed correctly. POPs are usually present in upholstered seating because of a flame-retardant chemical which has been banned and is no longer used.

What counts as 'upholstered seating'?

Upholstered seating includes:

Sofas, sofa beds and settees
Armchairs
Upholstered kitchen and dining room chairs
Upholstered stools and foot stools
Padded seating for garden furniture
Home office chairs
Futons
Bean bags, floor and sofa cushions
Electrical recliner chairs
Child car seats and highchairs with upholstering

This includes any part made of or containing leather, synthetic leather, other fabric, or foam.

What does not count as 'upholstered seating'?

The following items are not included in this guidance and are accepted at all of our recycling centres:

Mattresses
Curtains and blinds
Beds
Deckchairs
Items that are not upholstered, for example, a wooden chair without a cushioned or textile back, seat, or arms

Where to take upholstered seating

From 1 December 2024 we will only accept upholstered seating at these recycling centres:

Why we cannot accept upholstered seating at all our recycling centres

To comply with the law, all upholstered seating must be kept in a separate container, and treated and disposed of separately from other materials. We can only fit an extra container that meets requirements at our seven largest recycling centres.

Is upholstered domestic seating dangerous?

The risk of exposure to Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) from any upholstered seating in the home is low. The potential for pollution and harm increases when these items are being disposed of as they may be broken up or damaged.

Any potential risk to health from exposure to chemicals in the home can be greatly reduced through good housekeeping, such as regular vacuum cleaning, washing hands before meals and ensuring any damage to upholstery is repaired as soon as possible.

It is still safe to donate and purchase second hand furniture through your local reuse/charity shops as long as the items do not have any damage, such as tears in the fabric.

Where else will accept domestic seating?

Bulky waste collection

bulky waste collections are organised by your district council. Check with your district council to see if this service is available to you.

Charity shops

Please speak to the charity first and do not just leave your items at charity shops or drop off/collection points unless you have agreed this with them. Some charities may accept domestic seating with relevant fire safety labels in place and that are in good condition for reuse.

Reuse shops

We will accept clean and undamaged upholstered seating with a fire safety label at the reuse shops situated at the recycling centres that accept upholstered seating.

How does this affect businesses using Norfolk County Council trade waste services?

Businesses using our trade waste services use the same recycling centres that accept upholstered seating. There will be a separate container for these items.