Digital Waste Tracking: Phase 1 (October 26) & Phase 2 (2027) Update
Weightron Admin|8 April, 2026
The UK’s new Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) service will fundamentally change how permitted waste‑receiving sites record and report waste. Whether you operate transfer stations, HWRCs, treatment facilities, or other permitted sites, you will soon be required to submit digital waste‑receipt data (phase 1, October 2026) and later, full waste‑movement information (phase 2, 2027).
This guide summarises the key changes, timelines and operational actions for site operators.
Phase 1 (October 2026): Mandatory Waste‑Receipt Reporting
From October 2026, all permitted waste‑receiving sites must digitally record and submit details of the waste they receive.
“From October 2026, all permitted waste receiving sites will be required to submit information… within 2 working days.”
What must be reported?
You must submit digital data for:
- Hazardous waste (per consignment note)
- Non‑hazardous waste (per transfer note)
- Trade waste received at HWRCs (England & NI)
Each submission will generate a unique DWT ID for the waste input.
How can operators submit data?
You can submit via:
- API integration with your existing site software
- A temporary spreadsheet upload (available from April)
The spreadsheet route is intended as a short‑term option and may be phased out.
Operational Impact for Site Operators
1. Software readiness
If you use software to record waste inputs:
- Confirm your provider is engaged with Defra’s API testing
- Ensure your system can generate the required data fields
- Plan for staff training and workflow changes
If you do not use software:
- You will need to either procure a compliant system
- Or use the temporary spreadsheet upload
2. Registration & fees
- Operators must register with the DWT service
- A £26 service fee applies per legal entity (not per site)
3. Contractor‑operated sites
If you operate sites on behalf of a permit holder:
- You will likely (to be confirmed) be responsible for submitting DWT data
- Ensure your client (the permit holder) understands their legal responsibility
- Agree clear data‑submission processes and accountability
Phase 2 (2027): Full Waste‑Movement Tracking
Phase 2 expands DWT from simple receipt reporting to end‑to‑end tracking of waste movements – from production to final receiving site.
Indicative timeline
- Autumn 2026 – Private Beta
- Spring 2027 – Public Beta
- October 2027 – Mandatory rollout
What Phase 2 means for operators
You may need to:
- Record waste movements earlier in the chain
- Capture more detailed data about collections, carriers, and destinations
- Integrate with producers, carriers, and downstream sites
- Update software and operational workflows
Defra is currently researching:
- How multi‑stage collections should be linked
- How to handle mixed loads and split consignments
- What data fields operators will need to capture
Major software providers (e.g., Bartec, Whitespace) are already engaged in development.
Paperwork, Duty of Care & Returns
What stays the same (for now)
- Duty of care paperwork remains unchanged in Phase 1. “Waste transfer and consignment notes will still be required.”
- Quarterly waste returns continue until full end‑to‑end tracking is live
What will change
- DWT is expected to replace significant parts of existing reporting systems over time
- Operators should expect a gradual shift away from paper‑based processes
Data, Compliance & Enforcement
Phase 1
- Compliance responsibility sits with the operator of the permitted facility
- Regulators will control access to DWT data
- Any data sharing will require formal agreements
Phase 2
- Operators may face new obligations around tracking movements, not just receipts
- Early engagement with regulators and software providers is recommended
Guidance & Support
From April, Defra will release:
- User guidance
- SI guidance
- Walkthrough videos
- Webinars
- A consolidated Q&A
The Duty of Care Code of Practice will also be revised and consulted on.
FAQs
1. What is Digital Waste Tracking?
A new UK‑wide system requiring permitted waste sites to digitally record waste they receive, improving traceability and reducing waste crime.
2. When does it become mandatory?
Phase 1 becomes mandatory in October 2026.
3. What counts as a “load”?
- Hazardous waste: the load on the consignment note
- Non‑hazardous waste: the total waste under the transfer note
4. How quickly must data be submitted?
Within 2 working days of receiving the waste.
5. Do operators need new software?
Not necessarily. Options include:
- Existing software (if API‑enabled)
- Procuring new software
- Using the temporary spreadsheet upload
6. What is the £26 fee?
A service fee charged per legal entity, not per site.
7. Will WasteDataFlow or other systems be replaced?
Eventually, yes – but not during Phase 1.
8. What changes in Phase 2?
Waste tracking expands to cover movements from production to receiving site, with mandatory rollout in October 2027.
9. Will enforcement duties change?
No new duties in Phase 1, but operators will have expanded responsibilities in Phase 2.
For more details, see our DEFRA Digital Waste Tracking guide.
