What are POPs?

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are organic substances that persist in the environment, accumulate in living organisms, and pose risks to both human health and the environment.

These toxic compounds break down slowly and can be transported across international borders by air, water, or migratory species. They were previously used in information technology equipment but their manufacture, sale, and use are now banned. 

In the United Kingdom, restrictions on POPs which was implemented through the Persistent Organic Pollutants Regulations 20071. Additionally, there have been recent amendments, such as the Persistent Organic Pollutants (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2023, which address specific substances like Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) and its related compounds.

These regulations aim to eliminate or restrict the production and use of POPs, safeguarding our planet and well-being It means from a circular economy point of view we are unable to keep these older products (Pre 2009) in the circular economy and have to manage the waste in a specific way.