BORDERS residents disposing of items such as sofas, upholstered armchairs and beanbags are being urged to be aware of new rules that restrict how and where they can do so.

New legislation introduced by SEPA means that local authorities across the UK now need to accept and store these items separately.

This is due to chemicals called persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which are present in the upholstered items and have the potential to be harmful to human health and the wider environment.

To accommodate for the new guidance, Scottish Borders Council is making significant changes to the way that householders can dispose of this type of waste.

Coming into effect from October 21, members of the public will only be permitted to dispose of upholstered seating at community recycling centres if they have booked a slot online in advance of their journey.

This move is being made to ensure these items are safely handled and stored separately from other waste to avoid any potential contamination.

In the near future, changes will also be made to how its “bulky uplift” service can be used for the disposal of upholstered seating. This will require members of the public to book separate uplifts if disposing of upholstered seating to avoid contamination with other waste items.

Councillor Jenny Linehan, council portfolio holder for environment, sustainability and transport, said: “The new guidance issued by SEPA, which affects local authorities across the UK, sets out clearly that items like sofas, chairs and cushions need to be separated from other waste and disposed of differently for safety reasons.

“Whilst the exposure to POPs from upholstered furniture is low, by introducing stricter measures to change the way both we as a council and our residents handle and dispose of these items ensures we can make it safer for everyone.

“I would urge Borderers to familiarise themselves with the changes we have introduced to accommodate this legislation to avoid disappointment when they go to dispose of these items.

“Please note that with the exception of customers using cars at our CRC facility in Easter Langlee, all members of the public wishing to dispose of these items at our various sites will be turned away if they have not booked a slot online in advance.”

The new rules also apply to items such as armchairs, home office chairs, electrical recliner chairs and any seating that contains leather, synthetic leather, other fabric or foam.

To find out more go to: www.scotborders.gov.uk/wasteupholstereddomesticseating