Fluorend / Sectors / Industry & manufacturing
Manufacturing · Plating · Coatings · LabsIndustrial PFAS waste
PFOS plating residues, process sludges, filters, coating residues, off-spec fluorochemicals and lab waste. We take PFAS and POPs waste off your hands and see it destroyed by high-temperature incineration in the UK. Collection, paperwork and certificate of destruction through one company. Small lots welcome.
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What we take
Why it matters now
- May 2025In force
POPs waste must be destroyed. Waste at or above the POPs limits is POPs waste, and the POPs in it must be destroyed or irreversibly transformed. Limits include PFOS 50 mg/kg; PFOA and its salts 1 mg/kg (0.025 mg/kg in firefighting foam mixtures); PFHxS and its salts 1 mg/kg. Mixing doesn't help: a mixed load must be managed as POPs waste, even if the mixing diluted it below the limit.
Source: Environment Agency: Identify and classify waste containing POPs, updated 8 May 2025
- Jan 2026In force
Exceptions are narrow. PFOS mist suppressants may still be used for non-decorative hard chromium (VI) plating in closed-loop systems. PFOA has time-limited exemptions for a range of manufacturing processes. The waste from these uses still has to be destroyed if it is at or above the POPs limits.
Source: Environment Agency: Using persistent organic pollutants (POPs), updated 26 Jan 2026; Environment Agency: Identify and classify waste containing POPs, updated 8 May 2025
- Dec 2022In force
Only some routes count. POPs waste must go to a site authorised to destroy or irreversibly transform the POPs: physico-chemical treatment (D9), incineration on land (D10), energy recovery (R1), or metals recovery under set conditions (R4). Your waste description must name the POPs.
Source: Environment Agency: Manage waste containing POPs; Environment Agency: Identify and classify waste containing POPs, updated 8 May 2025
- End 2026Planned
More PFAS on the way. The government's PFAS Plan commits to restricting long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs), with the UK restriction to be implemented by the end of 2026.
- 24 Sep 2025Evidence
Why incineration. The Environment Agency's evidence review found high-temperature incineration can achieve destruction efficiencies above 99.99% for PFAS in firefighting foams at 1,100 °C with a 2–3 second residence time. It calls it the only proven method for large-scale PFAS destruction. Activated carbon and ion exchange don't destroy PFAS; they leave PFAS-rich residuals.
Source: Environment Agency: Rapid evidence assessment of PFAS incineration, 24 Sep 2025
Rules last checked 30 October 2026. Proposals can change before they become law. Outside England, rules differ: tell us your site postcode.
How it works
Questions
Is our waste "POPs waste"?
It is if PFOS, PFOA or PFHxS, or their related compounds, are at or above the Environment Agency's limits: for example PFOS 50 mg/kg, or PFOA and its salts 1 mg/kg in non-foam wastes. POPs waste must be destroyed or irreversibly transformed.
Source: Environment Agency: Identify and classify waste containing POPs, updated 8 May 2025
How do we find out?
The Environment Agency suggests asking the supplier or manufacturer, testing the material, or getting it analysed by a laboratory. Send us the safety data sheet or analysis with your enquiry.
Source: Environment Agency: Identify and classify waste containing POPs, updated 8 May 2025
Can our usual hazardous waste contractor take it?
Only if it goes to a site authorised to destroy or irreversibly transform the POPs, by D9, D10, R1 or R4 under conditions. The description must state the POPs. We see it destroyed by high-temperature incineration.
Source: Environment Agency: Manage waste containing POPs; Environment Agency: Identify and classify waste containing POPs, updated 8 May 2025
We use PFOS suppressant in hard chrome plating. Is that still allowed?
Yes, for non-decorative hard chromium (VI) plating in closed-loop systems. Wastes at or above 50 mg/kg PFOS must still be destroyed.
Source: Environment Agency: Using persistent organic pollutants (POPs), updated 26 Jan 2026; Environment Agency: Identify and classify waste containing POPs, updated 8 May 2025
Do you take small or lab quantities?
Yes, small lots are welcome. Acceptance depends on what the waste is, so send us a list with any SDS and we'll check it before we quote.
More answers on the PFAS waste FAQ.
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.