What is PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are man-made chemicals that are used in a wide variety of applications, from textiles and non-stick kitchenware to firefighting foam and industrial applications. They are persistent in our environment, and can cause widespread contamination of water and soil.
To try and combat the problem, the UK Government is introducing a series of regulatory measures to restrict the use of PFAS. Most pressingly, the use of fire extinguishers containing a particular PFAS known as AFFF (aqueous film forming foam) is being banned from 4th July 2025.
How do PFAS affect the environment?
Studies suggest that PFAS pose a significant environmental threat due to their persistence and potential for bioaccumulation, meaning that they gradually build up within an organism over time. As well as contaminating water and soil, it has also been shown that PFAS impacts ecosystems and human health, with links to kidney disease, thyroid issues and some cancers. PFAS contamination has been detected at over 1,500 sites in the UK, often exceeding safe levels.
When are PFAS being banned?
The UK Government began implementing legislation relating to PFAS in 2005, with the General Product Safety Regulations (GSPR) including provisions relating to products containing PFAS. Other legislation has come into effect regulating the use of POPs (persistent organic pollutants), a specific type of PFAS found in items like sofas and electrical equipment.
On 4th July 2025, the use of AFFF fire extinguishers will be completely banned, following a ban on the sale of these extinguishers in July 2020. After this date, existing stock must be disposed of in line with strict conditions by an accredited disposal company like Veolia.
There is currently no plan in place to ban all PFAS, with the UK Government taking a more nuanced approach, focusing on specific pollutants.
How can businesses dispose of items containing PFAS?
Businesses will be required to safely and compliantly dispose of items containing PFAS as the legislation continues to evolve. From 4th July 2025, the use of fire extinguishers containing AFFF will be outlawed. It's crucial that businesses work with approved waste providers to dispose of any existing stock, as incineration of PFAS requires temperatures above 1100°C to be effective. Organisations need to plan ahead to make sure they're compliant when the ban comes in.
Veolia can dispose of AFFF products at our specialist Ellesmere Port High Temperature Incineration facility - one of only two UK facilities currently able to take this type of waste. Enquire here to speak to our team and find out how we can dispose of your AFFF waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ellesmere Port High Temperature Incinerator
Our Ellesmere Port High Temperature Incinerator is one of only two sites in the UK that can incinerate some PFAS at the required temperatures of above 1100°C. With an annual capacity of 2,000 - 3,000 tonnes and a treatment efficiency of up to 99.9999%, Ellesmere Port is playing a crucial role in addressing the estimated 10,000+ tonnes of AFFF applications requiring disposal across the UK.
How can Veolia support you?
Compliance with incoming legislation:
Act now before it's too late - we can help you prepare for the July 2025 ban on the use of AFFF products, to ensure you are compliant with the new legislation.
Specialist infrastructure:
Thanks to our Ellesmere Port facility, we are able to completely self-deliver the collection and disposal of products containing certain PFAS.
Proven expertise:
Veolia has decades of experience managing hazardous waste - leave PFAS disposal up to the experts and remove the worry from your organisation.
PFAS: Hidden in everything, solved by Veolia
