Change in Hinckley and Bosworth bulky waste collections 

The Environment Agency and DEFRA have brought in legislation changes that aim to help protect the environment. Currently there can be pollution and damage to aquatic environments when foam in upholstered furniture that contains a fire-retardant product, known as persistent organic pollutants (POP’s), is taken to landfill.  

The product, which is typically found in sofas, armchairs, upholstered dining chairs, office chairs, bean bags and upholstered/padded furniture, must now be incinerated and not taken to landfill. 

Any residents booking a bulky item collection which includes upholstered furniture items will now see their upholstered furniture being collected separately from other large items.

Councillor Bill Crooks, Executive Member for Street Scene Services, said:

I am pleased to say that officers have acted quickly after this news of a change in legislation, and we will continue to operate our bulky waste collection, which I know is a service residents really value. The key change will mean that items containing POP’s will need to be collected separately. 

We hope this will mean minimal disruption to our service however residents need to be aware of the changes. We are currently updating our online booking system to highlight these updates. The booking system for getting a large item collected remains the same.

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. Ask to see a carrier’s licence.

More information on Environmental management and waste (GOV.UK)