Changes to the way we collect sofas and other upholstered items

The way some items of bulky waste are collected in Eastleigh, and across Hampshire, is changed from 1 January 2023, new national compliance procedures are in place regarding the way waste domestic soft seating is collected and disposed of. The items affected will include: 

  • sofas 
  • armchairs 
  • futons 
  • sofa beds 
  • upholstered dining chair 
  • office chairs 
  • bean bags  
  • floor cushions 
  • any other upholstered item that can reasonably be described as a form of seating used by households and to which relevant fire regulations apply (which might include child car seats, highchairs and benches)

The Environment Agency and DEFRA have identified these items as containing Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) which need to be handled and disposed of in a special way to ensure that the POPs chemicals are not released into the environment. Find out more about Persistent Organic Pollutants in upholstered domestic seating.

Bulky waste collection 

The new compliance procedures mean we must collect items containing POPs separately from other bulky waste items.  

This means if you book a collection with us that contains one or more ‘POPs item’ (like a sofa) and a ‘non-POPs item’ (like a fridge), we will collect them at different times but on the same day. 

There is no need to call us if we only take some of the items you have requested to have collected as we will return later that day for the remaining items.  

Please follow the steps below to ensure your item is ready for bulky waste collection: 

  • Please keep items from the list above separate from other bulk waste items when putting them out for collection 
  • Please put items out for collection as close to your scheduled collection date as possible 
  • Please ensure items are kept whole, where feasible. 
  • Please declare any damaged item when booking.
  • Contain any damaged parts such as rips or tears where possible to minimise the risk of any textiles or foam escaping into the environment. This can be done through sealing an area with tape or bagging an item.  

Household waste and recycling centres (HWRCs) 

Please note, waste domestic soft seating will continue to be accepted at HWRCs, however you should follow the below guidelines: 

  • Please ensure the items are kept whole, where feasible. 
  • Contain any damaged parts such as rips or tears where possible to minimise the risk of any textiles or foam escaping. This can be done through sealing an area with tape or bagging an item. 

Please ask a member of staff on arrival at the site about where to place the item or if you require any assistance. Find out more about disposing of upholstered domestic seating at HWRCs.