Fluorend / FAQ
Questions we get askedPFAS waste FAQ
Straight answers on PFAS waste disposal in the UK, with links to the rules. Regulatory points apply to England unless we say otherwise.
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What do you do?
We take PFAS waste off your hands and see it destroyed by high-temperature incineration in the UK. Collection, paperwork and certificate of destruction, all through one company. Small lots welcome.
What PFAS waste do you take?
AFFF foam concentrate and rinse water, contaminated PPE and absorbents, industrial PFAS and POPs residues, and spent ion-exchange resin and activated carbon. For anything else, tell us what it is and we'll check acceptance.
Can we still use PFOA-containing firefighting foam?
No. Use of PFOA foams and contaminated systems has been banned since 5 July 2025.
Source: Environment Agency: Using persistent organic pollutants (POPs), updated 26 Jan 2026
Are other fluorinated foams, such as C6, banned?
Not in Great Britain yet. HSE has proposed a UK REACH restriction on PFAS in firefighting foams with transition periods by sector. Defra's decision is expected in 2027.
Source: HSE: UK REACH restriction on PFAS in firefighting foam (consultation and Agency Opinion, June 2026); Defra: PFAS Plan, updated 17 Aug 2026
How do we know if our waste is POPs waste?
It is POPs waste if PFOS, PFOA or PFHxS, or their related compounds, are at or above the EA's limits: for example PFOS 50 mg/kg, PFOA and its salts 1 mg/kg, or 0.025 mg/kg in firefighting foam mixtures. To find out, ask the supplier, test the material or have it analysed by a lab.
Source: Environment Agency: Identify and classify waste containing POPs, updated 8 May 2025
Can PFAS waste be mixed or diluted?
No. You must take all reasonable steps to avoid mixing. If it is mixed, the whole load must be managed as POPs waste and the POPs destroyed, even if diluted below the limit.
Source: Environment Agency: Identify and classify waste containing POPs, updated 8 May 2025
Can we store PFOA foam waste while we wait for disposal?
In England, RPS 376 (published 7 September 2026) allows producers to store it while it awaits high-temperature incineration, if they meet the conditions. These include secondary containment, notifying the EA and sending written confirmation that a permitted site will accept the waste.
Can PFOA foam waste be exported for destruction?
No. The Environment Agency states PFOA foam wastes are not allowed to be exported for disposal. We see waste destroyed in the UK.
Why high-temperature incineration?
The Environment Agency's evidence review found it can achieve destruction efficiencies above 99.99% for PFAS in firefighting foams at 1,100 °C with a 2–3 second residence time, and calls it the only proven method for large-scale PFAS destruction.
Source: Environment Agency: Rapid evidence assessment of PFAS incineration, 24 Sep 2025
Do GAC and ion-exchange resin destroy PFAS?
No. They capture it and leave PFAS-rich residuals that must be carefully managed to prevent re-release.
Source: Environment Agency: Rapid evidence assessment of PFAS incineration, 24 Sep 2025
What paperwork do we get?
Consignment records for the collection and a certificate of destruction, for your duty-of-care records.
Do you take small lots?
Yes, from a few drums to full loads.
Do you store or bulk our waste?
No. We never store or mix your waste. It goes straight from your site to destruction.
How quickly can we get a quote?
Tell us the waste type, quantity and site postcode, with an SDS or analysis if you have one. We check it for acceptance and send a fixed, all-in quote within 2 working days.
Do the same rules apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
Not always. RPS 376 and the Environment Agency guidance linked here apply to England. EU REACH continues to apply in Northern Ireland. Tell us your site postcode and we'll confirm what we can do.
Source: Environment Agency: RPS 376, published 7 Sep 2026; HSE: About REACH (EU REACH continues to apply in Northern Ireland)
Rules last checked 30 October 2026. Proposals can change before they become law.
How it works
Get it off site
Tell us the waste type, quantity and site postcode. We check it for acceptance and send a fixed, all-in quote within 2 working days. Small lots welcome.