The new regulations will require the tracking of controlled waste through a single digital system, replacing the current largely paper-based processes.
The move follows delays to the original rollout timetable, with DWT initially expected to be introduced by April 2025 but pushed back amid concerns over industry readiness.
Mary Creagh, Minister for Nature, said: “Our Digital Waste Tracking Service will give authorities better, more reliable evidence to go after rogue operators and shut them down.
“It will also speed paperwork up for legitimate operators and cut red tape at the same time.”
Executive Director of the Environmental Services Association (ESA) Jacob Hayler added: “Today marks a significant milestone of progress towards implementing Digital Waste Tracking, which is another important weapon in the arsenal needed to fight waste crime.
“Implemented successfully, Digital Waste Tracking should make it easier for waste producers to be sure that they are dealing with legitimate operators, while also providing useful and timely data to regulators to help them crack down on cowboys.”
What is Digital Waste Tracking?
Digital Waste Tracking is a government-led initiative designed to create a unified, UK-wide system for recording the movement of waste.
The system will allow waste to be tracked from the point of production through to its final treatment or disposal.
According to Defra, the new approach will provide faster and more reliable data, helping regulators identify suspicious activity and better target enforcement action against illegal operators.
It is also intended to simplify reporting requirements for legitimate businesses by streamlining how waste movements are recorded.
A voluntary beta version of the service is set to open on 28 April 2026, with permitted waste receiving sites and software developers encouraged to participate and help refine the system ahead of full rollout.
Hayler added: “ESA urges operators across the industry to engage with the beta testing phase, and we look forward to working with Government to refine and successfully roll out the process ahead of mandatory adoption.”
Details of the system included in legislation
Under the new regulations, operators of permitted waste facilities will be required to record “specified information” for every load of controlled waste received.
This information must typically be entered into the digital system by the end of the second working day after receipt.
Operators will also be required to pay an annual fee to use the system, currently set at £26.
The legislation includes provisions for system outages, requiring operators to maintain written records if the digital service is unavailable and upload the data within seven days of the issue being resolved.
The Environment Agency will be able to issue fixed monetary penalties, variable monetary penalties, and compliance notices for breaches of the requirements.
In addition, the agency must maintain a public register of convictions, civil sanctions, and enforcement cost recovery notices.
Phased rollout
The legislation confirmed that the service will be introduced on a phased basis.
From October 2026, Digital Waste Tracking will become mandatory for permitted waste receiving sites in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with Scotland following in January 2027.
Phase one is expected to apply to around 12,000 permitted sites. As the system expands, more than 100,000 operators across the waste sector are anticipated to fall within scope.
Phase two, which will primarily affect those arranging waste movements and transporting waste, including carriers, brokers and dealers, as well as waste exporters, will be included in the mandatory system in October 2027.
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