PUBLIC AFFAIRS
A system for digital waste tracking is being rolled out across the UK to tackle waste crime and make reporting easier.
BPCA is committed to helping its members achieve the highest standards of business practice, including the safe handling of waste and compliance with regulations. Digital Waste Tracking will make it easier for authorities to identify and enforce against non-compliance.
Digital waste tracking is being introduced across the UK in response to waste crime and the lack of data needed to tackle it.
The new tracking service will record much of the same information that is already required for waste transfer notes and hazardous waste consignment notes.
Phase 1
From 1 October 2026, waste receiving sites in England and Wales must record and report the waste they receive using Digital Waste Tracking (DWT).
Waste receiving sites in Scotland and Northern Ireland will also need to do so from January 2027.
A waste receiving site is a site that holds an environmental permit or waste management license to receive waste from third parties.
Phase 2
From October 2027, Digital Waste Tracking will also become mandatory for:
- Waste carriers
- Waste brokers
- Waste dealers
- Waste exporters.
A private beta phase for these waste collectors will also start in October 2026, and in spring 2027, all waste collectors can voluntarily join a public beta.
Certain waste exemptions will be included in this phase, but they have not yet been announced.
Paperless?
While intended to replace waste transfer notes and consignment notes, the current paper-based tracking methods will not disappear immediately.
Waste transfer notes and hazardous waste consignment notes must continue to be completed.
You will also still need to submit hazardous waste consignee returns.
If you hold an environmental permit, you must continue to submit waste returns in line with its conditions.
Submitting data
To submit data, you will be required to create a Defra account using your organisation’s Government Gateway, GOV.UK, or One Login Account.
There are two ways to submit digital tracking data.
First, there will be a spreadsheet which can be completed and uploaded. This is intended as a temporary solution and is only expected to remain in place until at least October 2027.
The spreadsheet is available and can be submitted on GOV.UK.
Data can also be submitted via specialist software. You first need to register with Defra to receive a unique code, which will allow your chosen software to connect to Defra.
To conduct digital waste tracking, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has produced a list of software providers and products that meet their requirements.
Once digital tracking becomes mandatory, an annual registration fee of £26 will be charged upfront.
Where can I find more information?
Please refer to the following resources:
If you need further information, there is a dedicated digital waste tracking helpline which is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm: 03000 203 781