UK Digital Waste Tracking Service

What Is the UK Digital Waste Tracking Service? Full 2026 Guide for Businesses

What is DWT and why it matters

The UK’s Digital Waste Tracking Service (DWT) is a nationwide, government-led platform that replaces traditional paper-based waste documentation with a centralised, digital system.

Under the new system, every waste movement — from generation to disposal — will be logged digitally, creating a clear, auditable “cradle-to-grave” trail. This helps regulators track waste flows, curb illegal dumping and waste crime, and supports transparency and accountability across the sector.

Timeline: When does DWT become mandatory?

The rollout of DWT is phased, giving the industry time to adapt. Key dates to note:

Autumn 2025 | Private beta testing with selected permitted waste-receiving sites begins.
Spring 2026 | Public beta opens — all permitted/licensed waste-receiving sites can begin using the system.
October 2026 | Mandatory compliance begins for permitted/licensed waste-receiving sites.
From April 2027 (expected) | Expansion to cover waste carriers, brokers, dealers and sites operating under registered exemptions.

This phased approach aims to gradually bring the waste sector into line with the new digital compliance requirements while giving businesses time to adapt.

Important note: Although earlier guidance suggested April 2025 or April 2026 as start dates, the most recent confirmation from the government sets October 2026 as the mandatory start date for permitted/licensed receiving sites.

Who does DWT apply to — and when

Initially, DWT will apply to waste-receiving sites that hold a licence or permit. This includes landfills, recycling centres, treatment plants, and other regulated waste facilities.

From April 2027 (subject to final legislation), the scope is expected to broaden to include:

Waste carriers, brokers and dealers
Operators working under registered waste exemptions

Important exceptions/nuances:

Household-waste collected from domestic premises by local authorities — initial recording may not be required until delivered to a receiving site.
Household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) are not required to record receipt from householders, but must log commercial/ business waste accepted.
Incidental waste from tradespeople or small scale waste movements may have specific exemptions for the first leg of the journey — though subsequent movements must be recorded.

What data needs to be recorded

When logging a waste movement in DWT, operators must capture key information that replaces traditional paper waste transfer notes and hazardous-waste consignment notes.

This includes:

Waste type and classification codes (e.g., European Waste Catalogue codes / SIC codes)
A unique movement reference (tracking ID) for each load/transfer
Origin, date/time of collection, carrier details, destination site, and receipt confirmation by the receiving site
For export of “Green List Waste” (non-hazardous recycling/export loads), the system still requires the relevant documentation (e.g. Annex VII) — and data must also be entered into DWT.

Once the system is fully enforced, traditional paper-based waste transfer notes, consignment notes, and many existing permit-based reporting obligations will be replaced by DWT records.

Why DWT is Important — for the Environment and for Your Business

Stronger compliance & regulation: By mandating digital records, regulators get better visibility on how waste moves through the system — making it harder for illegal dumping or “fly-tipping” to slip through the cracks.

Transparency & traceability: Every load is logged digitally — from waste generation to final disposal or recycling — creating a full “audit trail”. This helps waste firms, auditors, and customers trace exactly where waste ends up.

Efficiency gains: Digital records reduce paperwork, administration overheads, errors, and lost documents. For businesses, this can mean time savings, lower risk of non-compliance, and easier reporting.

Support circular economy & sustainability goals: The DWT is part of a broader UK commitment to resource efficiency, sustainable waste management, and reducing environmental harm — aligning with long-term goals like zero avoidable waste.

What This Means for WEEE & E-Waste Businesses

If your business handles waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), scrap, IT asset disposal, or similar waste streams — DWT will likely apply to you as either a waste carrier or a receiving site.

Moving to a digital compliance platform before the mandatory deadline gives you a head-start:

You can test and refine your internal workflows while it’s still optional.
You’ll avoid last-minute disruption when DWT becomes mandatory.
You’ll be able to demonstrate compliance more easily to clients, regulators, and auditors.

How to Prepare — Suggested Action Plan

Audit your current processes. Identify where and how you currently record waste movements — are you still using paper notes or spreadsheets?
Choose a compliant digital waste-management platform (like WEEE Manager) — one that supports: unique movement IDs; classification codes; receipt tracking; and reporting features aligned with DWT.
Train your team. Make sure drivers, site staff, and admin all understand how to log transfers and confirm receipts digitally.
Start digitising now. Begin using digital notes for all waste movements — ideally before public beta begins. This will simplify your transition and ensure compliance.
Keep records and audit trails. Digital logs should be maintained and backed up — DWT will provide a clear, auditable history of waste movements.

Next Steps — What Business Owners Should Do Now

Check whether your site is classed as a “waste-receiving facility” (permit/licence).
Register with a DWT-compliant platform or system ahead of the public beta.
Engage fleets, carriers, and subcontractors to ensure they are DWT-ready.
Review internal waste-management policies to ensure digital logging becomes the standard.

The UK’s Digital Waste Tracking Service represents a fundamental shift in how waste is documented, managed, and regulated. Far beyond just replacing paper forms, it promises greater transparency, stronger compliance, and a significant reduction in waste crime — while also helping businesses streamline operations and stay ahead of regulation.

For any business handling WEEE, e-waste or other controlled waste streams, now is the time to act. By transitioning early to a robust digital waste-management platform, you’ll be ready well before the October 2026 mandate — and better positioned to meet compliance, sustainability, and operational efficiency goals.