Prepare for Digital Waste Tracking

The UK government is introducing mandatory Digital Waste Tracking to replace paper waste transfer notes and consignment notes. Receiving sites must use the system from October 2026, with expansion to carriers, brokers, and producers from October 2027. This guide explains the phased rollout, who is affected, and how to prepare.

UK-wide
Guide summary

You must switch from paper waste notes to the new Digital Waste Tracking system. Waste receiving sites must use it from October 2026. Other businesses like carriers and producers must use it from October 2027. Check which phase applies to you and prepare now.

  • Waste receiving sites must use DWT from October 2026
  • Carriers, brokers, and producers must use DWT from October 2027
  • Check if your waste software will link to the government system
  • Keep using paper notes until DWT is mandatory for you
  • Record waste details like type, quantity, and destination
  • Retain paper waste notes for 2 years (3 for hazardous)
  • Sign up for Defra updates on GOV.UK
  • Audit your current waste notes for accuracy
  • DWT will replace all paper waste tracking
  • The system aims to reduce waste crime
On this page
UK-wide

Related guides in Premises & Operations

Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) is a new UK-wide government service that will replace paper-based waste transfer notes, consignment notes, and other waste movement records with a single electronic system. It is being developed by Defra in collaboration with the devolved governments across all four UK nations.

The system will create an electronic record every time waste is moved, providing end-to-end traceability from the point waste is produced to its final destination. The aim is to reduce waste crime, improve data quality, and make compliance simpler for legitimate businesses.

This is not optional. When the system becomes mandatory for your category of waste operator, you will be legally required to use it. Paper transfer notes and consignment notes will eventually be phased out entirely.

Phased rollout timeline

Digital Waste Tracking is being introduced in stages:

  • Spring 2026: The IT service opens for all permitted and licensed waste receiving sites to begin using voluntarily
  • October 2026: DWT becomes mandatory for permitted and licensed waste receiving sites (landfills, treatment facilities, recycling centres, and other sites that accept waste). These operators must record details of all waste received through the digital system.
  • October 2027 (confirmed by Defra, February 2026): Planned expansion to other operators, including waste carriers, brokers, dealers, and waste producers. This date was pushed back from the original April 2027 target.

All four UK nations (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) are working together on this system, with secondary legislation being laid in each nation to mandate its use.

Who is affected

Ultimately, every business involved in waste will need to use DWT:

  • Phase 1 (October 2026): Operators of permitted or licensed waste receiving sites - if you accept waste at a site that holds an environmental permit or waste management licence
  • Phase 2 (October 2027): Waste carriers, brokers, dealers, and waste producers - if you produce, transport, or arrange the transport of waste

If you are a standard business that produces waste (such as a shop, office, or factory), you will be affected in Phase 2. Until then, continue using paper waste transfer notes and consignment notes as normal.

What data you will need to record

The digital system will capture the same information currently required on paper waste transfer notes and consignment notes, including:

  • Description of the waste and its EWC code
  • Quantity (weight or volume)
  • Details of the waste producer, carrier, and receiving facility
  • Date and location of each waste movement
  • Whether the waste is hazardous or non-hazardous

The key difference is that this data will be entered into a government digital service rather than written on paper. Records will be stored centrally and accessible to regulators automatically.

  1. 1

    Identify which phase applies to you

    Determine whether you operate a permitted or licensed waste receiving site (Phase 1, mandatory October 2026) or whether you are a waste producer, carrier, broker, or dealer (Phase 2, mandatory October 2027). Most standard businesses fall into Phase 2.

  2. 2

    Review your current waste documentation

    Audit your existing waste transfer notes and consignment notes to ensure the data they contain is accurate and complete. The same information will need to be entered into the digital system, so good habits now will make the transition easier.

  3. 3

    Check your waste management software

    If you use commercial waste management software, contact your provider to ask about integration with the DWT service. Some providers plan to integrate directly, allowing you to submit records without using the government portal separately.

  4. 4

    Register for updates from Defra

    Sign up for updates on the Digital Waste Tracking service through GOV.UK. The service is still being developed and further details about Phase 2 requirements will be published in due course.

  5. 5

    Continue using paper records until DWT is mandatory for you

    Until DWT becomes mandatory for your category, keep using paper waste transfer notes and consignment notes as required by current law. Retain WTNs for 2 years and hazardous waste consignment notes for 3 years. These obligations remain unchanged.

Official guidance on GOV.UK