Disposing of upholstered seating

Disposing of upholstered seating

We are changing the way we collect and dispose of upholstered seating. This includes any seating items with cushions or padding, such as sofas, office chairs and futons.

If you are bringing upholstered seating to a household waste recycling centre (HWRC) for disposal, then please look for the upholstered seating container. If you are unsure or have any queries, please check with a member of staff on site.

Undamaged, dry, clean and in good condition upholstered seating that has the relevant fire safety labels can be donated for reuse.  Contact your local charity or reuse furniture retailer directly to arrange for your item to be donated so that it can be used by someone else.

Items that are broken, dirty or have ripped padding should be disposed of as waste and placed in the upholstered seating container. If you are unsure or have any queries, please check with a member of staff on site.

Why?

Upholstered seating may have been coated with a flame retardant, containing Persistent Organic Pollutants - also referred to as POPs.

POPs present a long-lasting risk to the environment and are found in a variety of products, including soft furnishings. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency requires upholstered seating to be segregated and disposed of appropriately.

Household waste recycling centres will now have a specific container available for the collection of upholstered seating items. If these containers are full, you may be advised to return another time or try another household waste recycling centre.