The  Environment Act 2021 mandated the introduction of Digital Waste Tracking in the UK.  The new centralised digital system will ultimately replace existing waste transfer notes, hazardous waste consignment notes & Annex VII documentation for exports. The rollout of The system is being overseen by Defra and managed through the relevant devolved government departments. It will enable tracking of all household, commercial, and industrial waste (hazardous and non-hazardous).

The new approach aims to help legitimate operators meet reporting requirements more seamlessly whilst providing a more robust system to better support waste crime prevention and enforcement action.

Following a decision to postpone the implementation of mandatory Digital Waste Tracking from April 2025, Defra issued up-to-date plans for rollout and delivery (more info here).

The regulation will be implemented in phases, with Phase 1 focussed on permitted waste receiving sites. Phase 2 will apply to waste carriers, brokers and dealers, as well as waste exporters and will come into effect in October 2027.

Phase 1 timeline:

• On 24th April – Draft legislation to introduce mandatory Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) was laid in Parliament. The regulations will transition the tracking of permitted waste from an outdated paper-based process towards a more easily traceable, reliable, digital system.
• From 28th April 2026 – A voluntary beta test of the service opens. Permitted waste receiving sites and software developers for the waste sector are encouraged to take part and help refine the system ahead of full rollout.
• From October 2026 – Mandatory digital recording of waste movements commences for permitted waste receiving sites in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• From January 2026 – Mandatory DWT use extends to Scottish permitted waste receiving sites

Read more about the upcoming service and how it fits within the Government’s wider Waste Crime Action Plan here.