Upholstered domestic seating

Upholstered domestic seating for householders

As of 2024 there is new guidance for the storage and disposal of items such as sofas, chairs and cushions.

Classified as ‘upholstered domestic seating’, these items must now be stored differently at our waste sites and kept separate from other types of waste.

To dispose of these items at Community Recycling Centres, householders will now need to make a booking using our trailer, large vehicle and upholstered CRC booking form, (except at Easter Langlee when using a car).

These changes follow guidance issued from the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and relate to the storage and disposal of upholstered domestic seating containing Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).

Items classified as waste upholstered domestic seating

The following are classed as upholstered domestic seating:

  • Sofas
  • Sofa beds
  • Armchairs
  • Kitchen and dining room chairs 
  • Stools and foot stools
  • Home office chairs
  • Futons, bean bags and, floor and sofa cushions
  • Electrical recliner chairs

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

Bean bags, floor and sofa cushions do not need to be booked in. Please tell the site attendant that you have these items and they will direct you to the correct disposal area.

Find out more information about Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).

Waste and recycling

Address: Council Headquarters
Newtown St. Boswells
Melrose
TD6 0SA

Telephone: 0300 100 1800