Across many industries, substances containing PFAS chemicals, including perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs), have historically been used because of their durability and resistance to water, oil and heat.
However, growing environmental concerns and stricter regulations mean that businesses now need to review how these materials are stored, managed and disposed of.
For organisations that use PFAS-containing products or generate related waste, arranging compliant PFAS collection and disposal is becoming increasingly important. Regulations are tightening and businesses must ensure they are prepared for both current and future requirements.
Here at Andersons Waste Management, we can support companies in managing these materials safely and legally.
What Are PFASs and Where Are They Found in Business Operations?
PFASs are part of the wider family of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals have been widely used in industrial processes and commercial products because they repel water and oil, resist high temperatures and remain stable in demanding environments.
Many mainstream industries encounter PFAS or PFSA-related substances in everyday operations.
Examples include:
- Surface treatments and coatings
- Industrial cleaning products
- Metal plating processes
- Waterproofing treatments
- Textile treatments
- Certain manufacturing chemicals.
These materials may also be present in waste liquids, residues, contaminated packaging, equipment or filtration systems used during production.
Because PFAS chemicals do not break down easily in the environment, they can persist for long periods and may accumulate in soil, water and living organisms. For this reason, regulators in the UK and internationally are increasingly focusing on how these chemicals are controlled, managed and ultimately disposed of.
Key Changes and Implementation Timeline
Environmental legislation affecting PFAS chemicals has developed steadily in recent years and continues to evolve. Businesses that generate PFAS waste should be aware of several important regulatory milestones.
- 2009 – International restrictions on PFOS
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), one of the best-known PFASs, was listed under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. This introduced strict global controls on its production and use. - 2020 – Stronger controls on PFOA
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), another widely used PFAS compound, became subject to stronger international restrictions. These rules were implemented in UK law through Persistent Organic Pollutants regulations. - 4 July 2025 – Ban on firefighting foams containing PFOA
Firefighting foams containing PFOA can no longer be used, supplied or stored in the UK. Any remaining stock must be removed from service and disposed of as hazardous waste through authorised waste management providers. - Ongoing – Expanding PFAS regulation
The UK Government and environmental regulators are continuing to review PFAS chemicals as emerging contaminants. Further restrictions on PFAS substances used in manufacturing, coatings, packaging and industrial processes are expected as scientific understanding of their environmental impact develops.
Because regulation is evolving, businesses should monitor developments closely and ensure their waste management processes remain compliant.
Why PFAS Collection and Disposal Is Important for Businesses
PFSA-related waste cannot be managed in the same way as standard commercial waste. Because these chemicals are highly persistent, disposal methods must ensure they are treated safely and responsibly to prevent environmental contamination.
Many businesses generate PFAS waste through everyday activities such as manufacturing, cleaning, coating or treating materials. Waste may appear in liquid form, residues from production processes, contaminated containers, filters or cleaning fluids.
Under UK environmental regulations, businesses have a duty of care to ensure hazardous waste is stored safely, transported by licensed carriers and disposed of at authorised treatment facilities. This also includes maintaining accurate documentation and records.
Failure to manage hazardous waste correctly can lead to environmental damage as well as enforcement action by regulators. Working with a professional waste management provider helps ensure compliance and reduces operational risk.
How Businesses Should Prepare for PFAS Regulations
As awareness of PFAS chemicals continues to grow, businesses across a wide range of sectors are likely to face tighter controls on how these substances are handled.
Businesses should consider reviewing their operations to identify where PFAS-related waste may arise. This could include liquids used in manufacturing processes, residues from coatings or treatments, contaminated equipment, containers or industrial cleaning solutions.
Once identified, businesses should ensure that these materials are handled and stored safely before arranging compliant PFAS collection and disposal through licensed waste management providers. Taking a proactive approach will help organisations adapt more easily as regulations continue to evolve.
How Andersons Waste Management Can Help
For businesses seeking reliable PFAS collection and disposal, Andersons Waste Management offers specialist services designed to meet strict environmental standards.
Our PFAS waste management services include the safe collection of liquids, residues and contaminated materials that may arise from industrial processes or commercial products. Waste is transported using fully compliant hazardous waste procedures and taken to authorised treatment facilities for appropriate disposal.
We can also support businesses by helping identify PFAS-related waste streams, arrange scheduled collections where necessary and ensure all required documentation is provided for compliance purposes.
By working with us as your experienced waste management partner, businesses can ensure their PFAS materials are handled responsibly while keeping their operations aligned with environmental regulations.
PFAS Collection and Disposal – Frequently Asked Questions
What are PFAS chemicals?
PFSA (perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids) are part of the wider PFAS family of chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals”. They have historically been used in many industrial and commercial applications because they resist heat, water and oil. However, because they are highly persistent in the environment, regulators are increasingly introducing controls on how they are used and disposed of.
Which businesses might generate PFAS waste?
Many industries may generate PFAS-related waste as part of normal operations. Examples include manufacturing and engineering facilities, metal plating and surface treatment businesses, textile treatment companies, chemical processing operations and industrial cleaning services. Waste may arise in liquids, residues, contaminated packaging, filtration systems or process chemicals.
Why does PFAS waste require specialist disposal?
PFSA chemicals do not easily break down in the environment and can persist for long periods. Because of this, regulators require certain PFAS-related waste streams to be treated as hazardous waste and disposed of through approved treatment methods to prevent environmental contamination.
What happens if PFAS waste is disposed of incorrectly?
Improper disposal of PFAS-containing materials can contaminate land and water systems and may lead to enforcement action by environmental regulators. Businesses may face penalties if hazardous waste is not handled according to regulatory requirements.
What should businesses do now to prepare?
Businesses should review chemical inventories, identify any PFAS-containing products, audit processes that generate PFAS liquids or residues and arrange compliant PFAS collection and disposal through a licensed waste management provider. Planning ahead will help organisations stay compliant as regulations continue to evolve.
Official Sources Supporting This Article
The following official and authoritative sources support the regulatory and environmental information included in this article:
- UK Government PFAS Plan
- Drinking Water Inspectorate – PFAS and “Forever Chemicals”
- UK Persistent Organic Pollutants Regulations
- Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
- Environment Agency – Hazardous Waste Guidance
- Health and Safety Executive – UK REACH Chemical Regulation
- UK Government – Evidence Review on PFAS Waste Treatment
