A temporary ban at Cumbria’s tips for some household items has been extended.
It was hoped that Cumbria County Council’s household waste recycling centres would be able to lift the ban by the end of January, but talks are still ongoing with contractors.
New legislation came into force on January 1 which means recycling centres cannot accept:
- Sofas and armchairs
- Sofa beds and futons
- Kitchen and dining room chairs
- Stools and footstools
- Home office chairs
- Beanbags, floor, and sofa cushions
However, as from today, Monday, January 30, district councils can pick up bulky waste from people’s homes via a pre-booked collection.
The legislation from the Government prevents certain items being sent to landfill which contain a specific type of pollutants, known as persistent organic pollutants.
The county council was taken by surprise by the legislation and said it was contrary to previous indications given by Defra and the Environment Agency.
Items were banned as there was insufficient time to make the necessary changes and the authority hoped it would be resolved.
A council spokesman said: “We are still unable to accept this waste type at our household waste recycling centres at the current time but are working hard with our contractors to put plans in place to resume this as soon as possible.”
