Digital waste tracking is the UK government’s new online system for tracking waste.
Until now, waste receivers have been able to use the system on a voluntary basis. But in October 2026, it will become mandatory.
Here, we explain everything you need to know about digital waste tracking, including the benefits, your responsibilities, and how businesses can prepare.
Digital waste tracking is the UK government’s new online system that records every controlled waste movement. It’s managed by DEFRA, together with the Environment Agency and devolved regulators.
Over time, the digital waste tracking service is intended to replace paper-based waste records. During the rollout period, some existing waste documentation requirements may continue alongside the new system.
Digital waste tracking aims to tackle waste crime. Currently, crimes are often hidden behind missing or false paperwork.
The new digital waste tracking system will allow regulators to view and query records in (almost) real-time. This will make it much harder for waste to disappear between a producer and the final destination.
Digital waste tracking is being introduced in phases. The requirements and deadlines depend on whether an organisation produces, collects, or receives waste.
In October 2026, digital waste tracking will become mandatory for permitted waste receivers in England and Wales.
Following this, it will become mandatory for waste receivers in Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as for waste collectors.
Here’s the timeline for the digital waste tracking service:
The stages of the rollout are referred to as Phase 1 and Phase 2. Phase 1 obligations sit with permitted waste receivers. Meanwhile, Phase 2 obligations sit with waste carriers, brokers, and dealers.
Every business that produces, transports, or receives waste will, in time, be affected by the new digital waste tracking requirements.
Waste carriers, brokers, and dealers will likewise have to register and record every load using the online system.
However, the system won’t be ready for these businesses until Spring 2027.
At this point, waste carriers, brokers, and dealers will be able to use the system on a voluntary basis. Digital waste tracking will then become mandatory for them in October 2027.
Waste producers include any organisation whose waste is collected. This includes offices, warehouses, factories, and construction sites.
In the first phases, waste producers won’t be responsible for entering records themselves. But you do still have responsibilities.
Under duty of care requirements, organisations are responsible for ensuring their waste is handled appropriately from the point it is produced through to its final destination.
Digital waste tracking will now make any failures easier to spot. So, it’s more important than ever to choose compliant partners for waste collection and disposal.
Digital waste tracking was introduced primarily as a way of tackling waste crime. But there are many more benefits.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for businesses. The new digital waste tracking requirements can help.
Businesses will be able to gain greater visibility of their waste streams, making sustainability reporting easier and more accurate.
This increased visibility will also give businesses a better understanding of where there’s room for improvement. In this way, it can help improve compliance and support the implementation of new ESG initiatives. All while reducing admin!
Preparing for the changes in waste legislation and reporting expectations is easier than you might think. Just follow these simple steps.
The new waste legislation indirectly affects all businesses. But the first phase places the administrative obligation on waste receivers and collectors.
You won’t need to enter old records electronically. However, reviewing them can help you spot gaps in your processes that you’ll want to address.
Don’t wait until the deadline. Getting your digital systems ready now will allow you to iron out any issues before digital waste tracking becomes mandatory.
Waste producers are still legally responsible for what happens to the waste they produce. So, it’s important to review the companies that collect and dispose of your waste.
Meeting new waste legislation depends on relevant team members understanding what’s changed and what they need to do.
At SMI, we can help you prepare for the new waste tracking and reporting requirements.
Here are just some of the ways we support businesses like yours:
We stock the products you need to support digital tracking and reporting in your workplace.
This includes:
Dispose of used PPE and workwear securely and sustainably.
Our recycling scheme is a fully managed service that makes it easy to meet your sustainability targets and comply with new waste legislation.
We help you understand and evidence the impact of your business’s sustainability initiatives.
Our ESG reports and impact certificates are directly linked to sustainability initiatives that we help deliver – like our recycling scheme.
Want to discuss how we can support you in meeting your digital waste tracking obligations?
Get in touch with our friendly team of sector experts. We’re always happy to help!
Digital waste tracking will require waste receivers to submit records of the loads they receive online.
The information submitted will be much the same as what’s currently included in waste transfer notes. The difference will simply be that this information will now be entered digitally instead of on paper.
From October 2026, permitted waste receivers in England and Wales must submit records of the waste they receive through the digital waste tracking service. These records must be submitted within two days of receipt.
The DEFRA digital waste tracking service is due to become mandatory for permitted waste receivers in October 2026. The public beta for waste collectors will begin in Spring 2027.
Written by India Savin
India Savin is Senior Digital Marketing Executive at SMI Group, where she manages digital marketing campaigns, website content, SEO, and email marketing. She helps drive brand awareness, generate leads, and connect customers with the products, services, and insights they need to keep their teams safe, productive, and compliant.
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