Digital Waste Tracking: everything your business needs to know

Digital Waste Tracking is set to change the way waste movements are recorded across the UK. The new system will create a clearer, more transparent record of waste as it moves through the waste management chain. By replacing the current paper-based system with digital records, the government is aiming to make waste easier to track and help tackle waste crime.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new system.

What is Digital Waste Tracking?

Digital Waste Tracking is a new government system designed to create a digital record of waste movements. Currently, waste movements are often recorded using paperwork. This is normally a waste transfer note or season ticket. The new system will make it easier to trace digital records, focusing on material received into permitted sites and who transfers it to those sites.

For businesses, the move towards digital tracking should provide greater visibility around waste movements and, in time, reduce some of the administration that comes with paper-based record-keeping.

Why is Digital Waste Tracking being introduced?

One of the main reasons for introducing Digital Waste Tracking is to help tackle waste crime.

Illegal dumping, fly-tipping, incorrect waste classification and unauthorised disposal cause significant environmental and financial damage. A paper-based system can also leave gaps in the waste journey, making it more difficult for regulators to identify exactly what happened to a particular load.

Digital tracking will help close those gaps by creating a clearer record of waste movements. Regulators will have access to more consistent data, helping them make better-informed decisions and identify potential issues more effectively.

Better data will also help businesses and the wider waste industry understand where materials are going and identify more opportunities for reuse and recycling, helping the environment in the long run.

When is Digital Waste Tracking coming into effect?

Digital Waste Tracking is being introduced in phases, giving businesses time to understand the new requirements and adapt their processes.

Key dates to know:

• October 2026 - Digital Waste Tracking becomes mandatory for permitted waste receiving sites in England.
• January 2027 - The first phase becomes mandatory for permitted waste receiving sites in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
• October 2027 - Waste carriers, brokers and dealers are expected to come into scope as part of the second phase.
  

What does Digital Waste Tracking mean for you?

If your business produces waste but doesn't operate a permitted waste site, you won't initially need to register directly for Digital Waste Tracking.

However, your existing duty of care responsibilities still apply.

That means it's important to make sure you're using legitimate waste carriers and appropriate receiving sites, and that your waste is being managed correctly.

It's worth checking:

• Who collects your waste
• Whether your waste carrier is properly registered
• Where your waste is taken
• Whether the receiving site has a permit
• How your waste records are currently managed

Digital Waste Tracking will provide regulators with a centralised record, but businesses should continue to maintain their own appropriate waste records for compliance and audit purposes.

How can Tom White help you manage your waste?

At Tom White, we take our responsibility to manage waste safely, responsibly and sustainably seriously.

We're fully prepared to meet the UK's new Digital Waste Tracking requirements and will continue to monitor the latest government guidance as the system is rolled out - while continuing to help our customers manage their waste responsibly.

Digital Waste Tracking is an important step towards a more transparent and accountable waste management system. As the requirements develop, we'll continue to keep our customers informed and make sure we're ready for the changes ahead.

Find out more about Tom White's approach to sustainable waste management or get in touch with our team to discuss your business's waste management requirements.

For the latest official information, you can also visit the GOV.UK Digital Waste Tracking guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Digital Waste Tracking?

Digital Waste Tracking is a government system designed to record controlled waste movements electronically. It will create a clearer, more traceable record of waste as it moves through the waste management chain and help tackle waste crime.

When does Digital Waste Tracking become mandatory?

The first phase becomes mandatory for permitted waste receiving sites in England from October 2026. The first phase begins in Scotland and Northern Ireland from January 2027, while waste carriers, brokers and dealers are expected to come into scope from October 2027.

Does Digital Waste Tracking apply to every business?

Businesses that simply produce waste and don't operate a permitted waste site will not initially need to register directly, although their existing duty of care responsibilities remain.

Do waste producers need to register for Digital Waste Tracking?

Generally, not during the initial phases unless they also operate a permitted waste site. However, businesses that produce waste are still responsible for ensuring their waste is handled appropriately and should check that the carriers and facilities they use are legitimate and compliant.

What should my business do now?

The best place to start is by reviewing your current waste management arrangements. Check who collects your waste, where it goes and how your waste records are maintained. If you're unsure whether your business will be directly affected by the new requirements, speak to your waste management provider for advice.