Learn how the Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) service will transform waste management in the UK, mandatory from October 2026.
.png)
The Digital Waste Tracking Service (DWT) is set to transform how waste is recorded, tracked, and managed across the UK. From October 2026, using this system will become mandatory for all receiving site operators, marking a major step towards consistent waste traceability, reducing waste crime, and supporting a circular economy.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to what the DWT is, why it matters, and how it will affect waste operations. You can also watch TEIMAS’ 10-minute UK Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) Workshop here.
The DWT is a UK-wide digital platform designed to track the movement of both hazardous and non-hazardous waste. It replaces the fragmented, partly paper-based systems currently in use across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The service is accessible on all electronic devices, making it easier for organisations to comply with waste tracking requirements.
The DWT builds on previous efforts like EDOC, introduced around 2011 to encourage the use of digital Waste Transfer Notes. EDOC’s adoption remained low because it was voluntary, and long-term investment was unsustainable.
Now, the DWT, however, will be mandatory, ensuring full traceability of waste across the UK.
The service has three main objectives:
Here’s how the rollout of the Digital Waste Tracking Service is planned:
The DWT applies to all types of controlled and extractive waste, whether household, commercial, or industrial, hazardous or non-hazardous.
Overall, whenever a waste movement record is required under existing UK legislation, it must also be recorded in the UK Waste Tracking Service.
Generally, records will be needed in the following situations, although some exceptions to these will apply.
1.When waste is passed to a different organisation or person.
2.When waste is moved between sites operated by the same organisation. For example, moving waste between different permitted waste sites operated by the same entity.
3.When waste is passed from the control of one organisation to another organisation within the same site. For example where there are different waste facilities operated by different entities in one location.
4.When waste is moved between authorisations operated by the same entity on the same site. For instance, waste is moved from the control of a permitted facility to be handled under a registered exemption operated by the same entity within the same locality.
It’s important for waste producers to understand what happens to their waste.
When waste is delivered to a receiving site, the operator will record two key pieces of information on the waste tracking service:
Recording this information helps waste producers make more informed choices about how to manage their waste, in line with the waste hierarchy.
Receiving waste from overseas
Do we need to record waste movements that came from overseas?
No, only waste sent and received in the UK is in scope for the Receipt of Waste government service.
Sending waste overseas
Do we need to record waste movements when the waste is sent overseas?
No, only waste sent and received in the UK is in scope for the Receipt of Waste government service.
Timing for submission
When does a waste receiver need to submit waste movement data?
The policy expectation is within 2 working days beginning with the day after the waste is received; so if waste was received at 9:00am on Monday, the waste receipt record must be posted before midnight on the Wednesday. If the waste is being received by pipeline then the 2 working days begin the day after the period specified on the consignment note for that piped waste movement ends. So if the consignment note covers a week's worth of piped waste movement and that week ends on a Tuesday, then the receipt record must be posted before midnight on Thursday.
Intra-company waste transfers
In the scenario of intercompany waste transfers, meaning moving material from one of your sites to another site, would you require a waste receipt for that?
Yes, a waste movement record is required when moving between sites, even within the same company.
Carriers based overseas
How do we record carriers that are registered overseas, for example, a foreign company that's been contracted to remove the material. That does happen quite frequently.
A waste carrier registration number is a legal requirement for businesses that transport, buy, sell or dispose of waste. Regardless of whether the company is based overseas. Therefore this is always required. If the waste carrier does not have a UK or Ireland address, then this can be left out, as the Address and Post Code fields are optional.
The Digital Waste Tracking Service represents a major shift in how waste is managed in the UK and it will be a key tool for organisations across the waste sector. Preparing now for the changes ahead will make the transition smoother and ensure compliance from October 2026 onwards.
.png)
.png)
