Digital Waste Tracking is on the Horizon

Mandatory digital waste tracking (DWT) is set to come into force from October 2026, a move confirmed in a detailed government update on 10th July 2025.

This new legislation marks a pivotal moment for the waste industry, transitioning from traditional paper-based systems to a unified digital platform. The aim is to create a clear, timely audit trail of all waste movements, from producer to final disposal.

The DWT service was first outlined in the 2018 Resources and Waste Strategy. Its introduction is a direct response to several key challenges facing the UK:

• Combatting Waste Crime: Illegal waste activities, such as fly-tipping and illicit sites, are estimated to cost the UK economy around £1 billion annually. By creating a transparent and traceable record, the DWT aims to make it significantly harder for criminals to operate, ensuring waste is handled by legitimate and licensed operators.
• Enhancing Environmental Protection: Ensuring waste is managed and disposed of correctly is crucial for protecting our natural environment and public health. The DWT will provide regulators with a clearer picture of waste pathways, helping to prevent pollution and environmental degradation.
• Promoting a Circular Economy: Accurate and accessible data is the bedrock of a circular economy. By tracking waste materials more effectively, the DWT will help identify opportunities for recycling and resource recovery, supporting the UK’s transition away from a linear “take-make-waste” model.

Understanding the Scope of DWT

Initially, the mandatory requirements will apply to commercial and regulated waste activities. While household waste collections are currently excluded, operators involved in the commercial sector will need to adapt.

Organisations will be required to digitally record specific information for each waste movement, including:

• Waste classification codes (European Waste Catalogue and Standard Industrial Classification).
• Unique references for each movement.
• Details of the parties dispatching and receiving the waste.
• Confirmation of treatment outcomes and the final destination of the material.

A Phased Introduction

According to the updated timetable, the rollout will be staggered:

• October 2026: Permitted and licensed waste receiving sites will be the first to adopt the system, and will be required to record all waste movements digitally. This follows a private beta testing phase in Autumn 2025 and a public beta in Spring 2026.
• April 2027: The service will expand to a wider range of organisations. This includes waste carriers, brokers, and dealers. The government is expected to publish further details on the specific activities included in this second phase by September 2025.

Embracing Data-Driven Environmental Performance

At Waste Efficiency, we welcome this move towards a data-first approach. For years, data has been at the heart of how we drive continuous improvement and deliver value for our customers. This initiative aligns perfectly with our core philosophy: that robust, accessible data is essential for optimising waste processes, reducing costs, and enhancing environmental performance.

Introducing The Waste Efficiency Portal

Here at Waste Efficiency, we already provide our customers with accurate, actionable and reliable data via our proprietary portal. This system is designed to offer complete visibility and control over your waste management requirements, turning complex waste processes into actionable insights.

Our portal provides:

• Real-time data on all your waste streams.
• A full, end-to-end audit trail for every waste movement, with all compliance documentation, including waste transfer notes, consignment notes, licences and permits, all accessible at the click of a button.
• Detailed monthly reports covering waste volumes, collections, and carbon impact.
• Analysis and insights from our technical team to identify opportunities for continuous improvement, helping to reduce costs and improve your carbon footprint.

We are more than a contractor; we are a partner focused on helping you achieve your operational and sustainability goals. By leveraging the power of data, we can help you not only identify cost savings, but also uncover new efficiencies and enhance your environmental performance.

Get in touch with our experts today to understand how you could be taking a more data-led approach to driving cost and environmental improvements on-site.