How Digital Waste Tracking is Cleaning Up the Industry

Each year, waste crime costs the UK economy approximately £1 billion. Illegal waste impacts so many aspects of the industry including damaging the environment, undermining legitimate operators, and disrupting community wellbeing. 

The UK Government’s Digital Waste Tracking initiative is a major step forward in tackling this waste crime, improving environmental outcomes, and supporting a circular economy. The Digital Waste Tracking service aims to close the information gap in waste regulation by replacing outdated paper-based systems with a modern, digital solution. 

What is Digital Waste Tracking? 

Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) is a single system that is being adopted by all 4 nations of the UK. It is designed to provide a comprehensive digital method for monitoring the vast amounts of waste generated annually, eliminating the need for paper slips. This will increase transparency by clearly documenting the origin, handling, treatment and final destinations of all waste in order to establish a thorough understanding of waste management practices. 

The timeline and launch of this project has shifted several times, with the original launch being arguably too ambitious.  

Why do we need Digital Waste Tracking? 

DWT addresses a current lack of visibility surrounding the waste pathways across all sectors within the UK. Tracking ensures better regulatory compliance and reduces illegal activities within the waste, recycling and resource management sector. 

Another benefit of DWT is the comprehensive data being collected which can be used by stakeholders to better consult on and enforce more effective waste management regulations. This promotes a circular economy by optimising resource use and recycling processes.  

What is the current timeline? 

Originally set to come into effect in April 2025, this has since been pushed back to 2026. 

• Autumn 2025: Private beta testing begins with selected user groups.  

• Spring 2026: The portal opens for public testing for receivers of waste only.  

• By April 26: Secondary legislation should be set by all 4 nations mandating the use of the service by permitted sites.   

• October 2026: Mandatory reporting goes live for permitted receivers only.   

The above rollout is commonly referred to as ‘Phase 1’. Something to note is that this does not include sites with an exemption licence in this phase, as the Government are yet to decide when to include them in the process. Updates on sites operating under an exemption licence are expected in September 2025.  

Phase 2 covers more details about the producer, carrier and broker and there will be a consultation, because amendments will need to be made to the duty of care requirements for the recording of controlled waste. Phase 2 is pencilled in for 2027 but may be subject to further changes. 

Defra’s new approach and staggered implementation means they are focusing on developing API for receiver sites. One of their aims is for users to be able to use existing commercial software to push data into the system. This reduces the risk of human error and supports compliance. 

What is happening next? 

At this time, there is limited actions needed for those that fall within Phase 2, especially as they still have not confirmed the date for this. As a tech-enabled business managing resources across the UK, Reconomy Connect are well placed to embrace Digital Waste Tracking and are fully engaged with Defra on beta testing across all our affiliated brands.  

By collaborating with us we can help you determine the types and quantities of waste your business generates, as well as the frequencies and destinations.  

We will continue working with Defra to ensure digital waste tracking can deliver all the objectives listed above, making the transition as smooth as possible for our customers and suppliers to manage their current materials, when the time comes.  

This is a transformative moment for resource, recycling and waste management in the UK. By embracing digital tracking, we’re not just complying with regulation, but contributing to a cleaner, more transparent, and more circular economy. 

 

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