Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are organic substances that persist in the environment, accumulate in living organisms and pose a risk to our health and the environment. They can be transported by air, water or migratory species across international borders, reaching regions where they have never been produced or used. International risk management is necessary as no region can manage the risks posed by these substances alone.

Identify waste upholstered domestic seating that contains POPs

Waste domestic seating is any item of seating of a household type from households or businesses that is waste. Upholstered domestic seating may contain POPs. For example:

• sofas
• sofa beds
• armchairs
• kitchen and dining room chairs
• stools and foot stools
• home office chairs
• futons
• bean bags, floor and sofa cushions

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

The following items of domestic seating are unlikely to contain POPs:

• items that are not upholstered, for example, a wooden chair without a cushioned or textile back, seat, or arms
• deckchairs
• wastes from manufacturing new domestic seating that the manufacturer can demonstrate do not to contain POPs

Mattresses, curtains, blinds and beds are not domestic seating and are not covered by this guidance.

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