Waste Regulations around PFAS and Forever Chemicals
PFAS, commonly referred to as ‘forever chemicals’, have been placed under growing scrutiny across the UK. Man-made, widely used in everyday products, and increasingly linked to environmental and health concerns, forever chemicals are an interesting predicament.
For businesses, this is no longer a scientific issue that can be ignored. It has turned into a waste compliance issue. If materials containing PFAS enter your waste stream, you may face tighter handling rules, hazardous classification, and stricter duty-of-care responsibilities.
Here’s what you need to know.
What are PFAs?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. It’s a group of thousands of synthetic chemicals designed to resist water, oil, grease, and heat.
Where do they come from?
They’re used in manufacturing and coatings across many sectors, including:
- Fire-fighting foams
- Food packaging
- Non-stick cookware
- Textiles and waterproof clothing
- Electronics
- Industrial processes
- Cosmetics and hygiene products
Why are they permanent?
PFAS contain strong carbon-fluorine bonds, one of the toughest chemical bonds in nature. This means they break down very slowly, remaining in soil, water, and living organisms for decades.
Types and where they appear
The most commonly discussed include:
- PFOA
- PFOS
- PFHxS
- GenX alternatives
They appear in both consumer waste and commercial or industrial waste streams. Therefore, waste compliance regarding forever chemicals becomes relevant for businesses.
Are PFAS harmful?
Research increasingly links long-term exposure to:
- Hormone disruption
- Immune system impacts
- Liver and thyroid effects
- Developmental issues
- Increased cancer risk for some compounds
PFAS also bioaccumulate, meaning they accumulate in the body and the environment over time. Once released, they can contaminate groundwater, rivers, and landfill leachate.
For waste producers, this persistence means improper disposal can create long-term liability.
How to avoid PFAS
Reducing PFAS at source is often easier and cheaper than managing contaminated waste later.
Practical steps include:
- Review supplier materials and safety data sheets
- Choose PFAS-free packaging and coatings
- Avoid treated textiles and stain-repellent finishes
- Switch to fluorine-free fire foams where possible
- Specify safer alternatives in procurement policies
Prevention reduces both environmental impact and disposal costs.
What are the waste regulations
around PFAS?
PFAS are not covered by a single “PFAS law”. Instead, they fall under existing chemical, hazardous waste, and environmental legislation.
Key regulations that apply
Businesses must consider:
- Environmental Protection Act 1990 duty of care
- Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005
- Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011
- WM3 Waste Classification Technical Guidance
- UK REACH chemical controls
- Environmental Permitting Regulations
What this means in practice
If PFAS contamination is present, waste may need to be:
- Classified as hazardous
- Stored separately
- Collected by licensed carriers
- Sent to specialist treatment or disposal
- Documented with full waste transfer notes
Industries that should be taking note
Higher risk sectors include:
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Textiles
- Fire and rescue services
- Healthcare
- Food production
Compliance checklist
- Identify PFAS sources in your operations
- Test and classify waste streams correctly
- Segregate chemical or contaminated waste
- Use licensed carriers only
- Keep documentation and audit trails
- Review procedures regularly
PFAs in sanitary products
PFAS have recently been detected in some sanitary pads, tampons, and hygiene products, often used to provide leak resistance or absorbency.
Why this matters
These items:
- Enter general waste in large volumes
- May release chemicals into landfill leachate
- Can contaminate recycling streams
- Create both consumer and environmental risk
Clearer labelling, safer materials, and producer responsibility are needed. Manufacturers should phase out non-essential PFAS use, while organisations should treat hygiene waste carefully and avoid mixing it with recycling.
Dealing with chemical waste:
Do’s and don’ts
Do:
- Segregate chemical waste streams
- Store securely in labelled containers
- Train staff on correct disposal
- Use specialist disposal services
- Keep records
Don’t:
- Mix with general waste
- Send to recycling
- Dispose of via drains
- Use unlicensed carriers
- Assume small quantities are safe
If in doubt, treat it as hazardous and speak to a specialist chemical waste provider.
Closing thoughts
PFAS are not just a scientific concern. They are a waste management and compliance issue that businesses can’t afford to ignore.
The safest approach is simple:
Reduce use, segregate waste, follow hazardous guidance, and document everything.
If you need help identifying or managing chemical or hazardous waste streams, speak to the Business Waste team for practical, compliant support.
Sources
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/environmental-risk-evaluation-reports-per-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas
- Environment Agency: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pfas-plan/pfas-plan-building-a-safer-future-together
- UK Government – Environmental Protection Act 1990: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/43/contents
- UK Government – Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/894/contents/made
- Environment Agency – WM3 Waste Classification Technical Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/waste-classification-technical-guidance
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – UK REACH regulation guidance: https://www.hse.gov.uk/reach/
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – PFAS restriction proposal and risk information: https://echa.europa.eu/hot-topics/perfluoroalkyl-chemicals-pfas
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Risk to human health related to PFAS in food: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/6223
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Basic information on PFAS: https://www.epa.gov/pfas/basic-information-pfas
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) – Toxicological profile for PFAS: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/about/health-effects.html
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