Some types of furniture will soon no longer be accepted at five Cornwall Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs).

Due to the lack of space, sofas, armchairs and other upholstered furniture will no longer be accepted due to regulations imposed by the Environment Agency.

From December 1, all upholstered furniture must be stored and transported separately from other non-recyclable waste. This applies to all seating that contains leather, synthetic leather, other fabric, or foam.

Examples include sofas, sofa beds, armchairs, recliner chairs (electrical or mechanical), dining chairs, padded stools and foot stools, office chairs, futons, bean bags floor and sofa cushions.

Due to a lack of space at some of Cornwall’s household recycling centres (HWRCs), the following sites will not be able to accept these items.

  • Bude
  • Newquay
  • Truro
  • Helston
  • Dudnance Lane, Pool

Councillor Carol Mould, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods at Cornwall Council, said: “We are really disappointed that these regulations are coming into force. These changes mean that some residents will have to travel further to dispose of unwanted furniture and there will be considerable cost to the Council to make changes at the sites.

“All of Cornwall’s non-recyclable waste, including upholstered furniture, is taken to the Cornwall Energy Recovery Centre. It makes no sense that we have to separate these items before they get there.

“We, along with other local authorities, have urged the Environment Agency to reconsider but unfortunately our efforts have been unsuccessful.

“We would always recommend that you try to repair, sell or donate unwanted furniture. However, should people need to dispose of these items, I urge that they check what sites can accept upholstered furniture before they travel.”

You can find your nearest Household Waste and Recycling Centre and check what items are accepted at each site via the Cornwall Council website.