Local authorities are being encouraged to register for the government’s Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) service as preparations continue for mandatory reporting in October 2026. This follows the legislation being passed by government earlier this year.
Defra has opened registration to councils that operate, manage or have responsibility for waste sites, giving them the opportunity to establish their accounts ahead of the first mandatory requirements.
The first phase of Digital Waste Tracking is scheduled to become mandatory in October 2026 in England and Wales, followed by Scotland and Northern Ireland in January 2027.
The requirements will vary between the four nations.
In England, waste received at permitted sites will generally need to be recorded, although household waste deposited by residents at permitted household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) is excluded.
For local authorities, the current scope in England is limited to sites handling commercial waste. HWRCs in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to enter the system during later phases.
Preparing for DWT
Defra is recommending that local authorities register before the mandatory reporting requirements begin.
Early access will allow councils to establish their “Report receipt of waste” service account, allocate users and permissions, and agree reporting arrangements for sites operated by contractors.
It will also give staff time to become familiar with the platform and prepare for submitting information once reporting becomes compulsory.
Councils are being advised to assess their reporting responsibilities across their sites and contractors and decide how they will submit information.
Available options are expected to include direct submission through an API for operators using compatible waste management software, as well as a spreadsheet-based route.
Defra has also stressed that existing waste recording requirements will continue to apply during the transition to DWT.
Local authorities that took part in the private beta will need to complete registration again before the system becomes mandatory.
