The Local Government Association has published its response to Defra’s discussion on potential changes to the persistent organic pollutants (POPs) regulations. The LGA has warned that it wants more 'reassurance' that the amendments will not hit textiles. Between 2 March and 27 April 2023 discussions were had and this came on the back of recent additions to the UN’s Stockholm Convention on POPs which the UK, as a party to the Convention, must implement nationally. “Textiles and carpets could fall under POPs rules” Defra asked about amending its regulations to add or update various POPs limits and adding new chemicals. This includes perfluorohexane sulfonate, often used in stain-resistant fabrics and Perfluorooctanoic acid, used in textiles and non-stick kitchen items. While Defra said the recycling of textiles waste “should not be disrupted”, the LGA warned that it would like more reassurance on this, warning of “significant consequences for councils”. The association said: “Defra’s consultation paper sets out a conveyor belt of additions and restrictions to the list of chemicals classed as POPs. Everyday items such as carpets, non-stick pans, paints and textiles will come into the scope of the POPs regulations. This will have significant consequences for councils in their capacity as collection and disposal authorities for household waste.” Funding The LGA also warned that the amendments to the POPs regulations will have cost implications for councils. Sending material containing POPs to specialised disposal routes will cost more than standard routes for household wastes. “Councils need clarity on how these costs will be met. Any addition or change to the list of POPs should be treated as an additional burden on councils and properly funded,” - LGA The LGA also said that given the growing number of chemicals registered as POPs and the “scale of the challenge” in finding safe disposal routes, Defra and the Environment Agency must involve the LGA “at an early stage” and work with local government on a structured implementation plan. This should be based on a “realistic view of costs and capacity”. The LGA then called for a new relationship with Defra and the Environment Agency on the management of POPs in household waste. This could end up taking the form of a jointly developed long-term strategy for managing POPs in household waste. POPs The Environment Agency first announced in August 2022 that soft furnishings potentially contaminated with POPs, including any mixed loads containing these items, must be incinerated (see our page on everything POPs here). If you have any questions or queries about a solution for your waste or anything you've read today please give us a call and chat with us Mon-Fri at 01908 733226 or email our experienced and dedicated team using enquiries@cwsltd.com

The introduction of the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP’s) legislation on 1st January 2023 has been met with frustration from most of the industry. From what we've seen and heard at CWS, the updated guidance has not been met with much enthusiasm from the waste management sector. Waste carriers are required to put in place separation and pre-treatment systems for POPs contaminated wastes by no later than December 2024. How has this affected the industry? Whilst the legislation appears to be straightforward, and most people agree that legislation is needed to control pollution, it feels like the UK waste industry has not been given adequate time to prepare for the operational and process changes required to be compliant. Recycling waste containing POPs You must not recycle or reuse any waste that contains POPs. The POPs must be destroyed. This means you cannot: turn the waste into a product for reuse remove materials or components containing POPs for reuse Sorting and storing POPs waste safely and securely You must take all reasonable steps to avoid mixing POPs waste with other waste during storage, collection and treatment. If you do mix, you must manage the whole load as POPs waste. You must destroy the POPs even if the mixing has diluted the POPs to below the concentration limit. Recovering waste containing POPs You can recover waste containing POPs where the recovery process destroys the POP. For example, incineration with energy recovery. The costs involved One of the challenges is around costs and gate fee pricing in the UK, prices are varying from £170-£350 per tonne (lower for processed to higher for un-processed) and we believe that the higher costs are unsustainable. Prices are being driven by incinerators leading to a regional fluctuation and it could take several months before we see a levelling out/consistency in pricing. A survey of Larac members found that two-thirds expected compliance to increase costs, while 55% felt they would be unable to comply by the deadline. Before such waste can be treated at EFW facilities it requires shredding for operational and compliance reasons. The shredders already in operation across the UK are unlikely to comply with the new regulations set out by the EA, as it is difficult to guarantee that contaminated POPs waste and non-contaminated waste would be able to be kept separate. This would result in the requirement for additional shredding facilities – which of course need additional investment and development. The shredders alone cost around £500,000, not cheap. How can CWS assist and help out? The Creative Waste Solutions team have procured trusted POPs disposal sites that offer a cost-effective and economical solution throughout the UK. We are also developing a HUB and spoke model for unprocessed POPs waste. We have sourced temporary storage for both processed and unprocessed POPs that are ready for incineration. If you'd like to know more or you're looking for help with your POPs waste please give us a call or contact us using the link below and our team will be more than happy to help! https://www.cwsltd.com/contact