THE household waste and recycling centre in Newquay can no longer accept sofas, armchairs and other upholstered furniture, due to new regulations.

The facility in Trevenson Road does not have the space available following the Environment Agency deciding all upholstered furniture must be stored and transported separately from other non-recyclable waste from December 1.

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.

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.”

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

See more information about the Council’s bulky waste collection service here.