The introduction of Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) service
The UK government has announced the introduction of a digital Waste Tracking (DWT) service, a new mandatory system designed to replace the existing paper-based waste tracking process. The service will create a real-time digital audit trail for permitted waste movements, strengthening efforts to combat waste crime and reducing administrative burdens for compliant operators.
Key Policy Changes
Mandatory digital tracking of permitted waste will be introduced for permitted waste receiving sites:
- England, Wales, Northern Ireland – from October 2026
- Scotland – from January 2027
Phase 1 will apply to approximately 12,000 permitted waste receiving sites, with a phase expansion expected to bring over 100,000 waste operators into scope over time.
The policy forms part of the government’s Waste Crime Action Plan, aimed at tackling illegal waste activities estimated to cost the UK economy around £1 billion annually. The digital system is intended to:
- Improve data quality and transparency
- Support enforcement agencies in identifying suspicious waste movements
- Reduce opportunities for rogue operators to exploit gaps in the current system
- Streamline compliance requirements for legitimate business.
Supporting measures
A voluntary beta testing phase opens on 28 April 2026, allowing operators and software providers to engage early and help refine the system ahead of mandatory rollout. In addition, the Environment Agency will receive £45 million in additional funding over three years to strengthen enforcement activity, alongside expanded powers under the Waste Crime Action Plan.
Further information and guidance, including technical details and phased timelines for additional operator groups are expected to be published by Defra ahead of the October 2026 go-live date.
The full article regarding the introduction of DWT can be found here.