New legislation has been laid in Parliament to establish a mandatory Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) system across the UK.
The proposed framework will require all controlled waste to be recorded through a single digital platform, replacing the existing system that still relies heavily on paper documentation.
Originally scheduled for rollout by April 2025, the initiative was delayed due to concerns about whether the sector was adequately prepared.
Mary Creagh, Minister for Nature, commented: “Our Digital Waste Tracking Service will give authorities better, more reliable evidence to go after rogue operators and shut them down. It will also speed paperwork up for legitimate operators and cut red tape at the same time.”
Digital Waste Tracking to Come in October 2026
Digital Waste Tracking is a government-led programme designed to create a consistent, nationwide method of recording waste movements.
The system will monitor waste from its origin through to its final disposal or treatment point, providing a full audit trail.
According to Defra, this approach will deliver more accurate and timely data. This should enable regulators to detect suspicious patterns more easily and take targeted enforcement action where necessary.
Another key objective is to simplify compliance for legitimate businesses by streamlining how waste data is recorded and reported.
A voluntary beta version of the platform launched on 28 April 2026. Operators of permitted waste sites, along with software developers, are encouraged to participate in testing to help refine the system before it becomes compulsory.
From October 2026, the system will become mandatory for permitted waste-receiving facilities in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Scotland is expected to follow in January 2027.
This initial phase will cover approximately 12,000 sites. Over time, the system is expected to expand to include more than 100,000 operators across the waste sector.
A second phase is scheduled for October 2027. This stage will extend requirements to those involved in arranging and transporting waste, including carriers, brokers, dealers, and exporters.
Key Requirements Under the New Rules
The legislation sets out several obligations for waste operators.
Facilities authorised to receive waste will need to log specific details for every load they accept. In most cases, this information must be entered into the system no later than the second working day after receipt.
Users of the system will also be required to pay an annual fee, currently set at £26.
Provisions are included to address system outages. If the platform is unavailable, operators must keep manual records and upload the data within seven days once access is restored.
The Environment Agency will have the authority to enforce compliance. Penalties may include fixed fines, variable financial penalties, and formal compliance notices.
Additionally, the agency will maintain a publicly accessible register detailing convictions, civil penalties, and enforcement cost recovery actions.
Executive Director of the Environmental Services Association (ESA) Jacob Hayler added: “Today marks a significant milestone of progress towards implementing Digital Waste Tracking, which is another important weapon in the arsenal needed to fight waste crime.
“Implemented successfully, Digital Waste Tracking should make it easier for waste producers to be sure that they are dealing with legitimate operators, while also providing useful and timely data to regulators to help them crack down on cowboys.”
