UK Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) 2026: The Complete Operator FAQ.
Everything operators, receivers, local authorities and brokers need to know about the new Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) requirements: scope, timelines, data, exceptions, integration, fees, enforcement—and exactly how to get ready.
FAQ
1) What is Digital Waste Tracking (DWT)?
DWT is a mandatory, UK-wide digital service that replaces fragmented, paper-based waste movement records with standardised, timely, auditable data to improve regulation and cut waste crime.
2) Who is in scope first?
From October 2026, operators required to hold a permit or licence to receive waste must record details of all waste they receive in DWT.
- The service then plans to expand to other operator groups from April 2027 (details to be confirmed).
3) What are the official key dates?
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Autumn 2025 | Private beta for invited users |
| Spring 2026 | Public beta for all permitted/licensed receiving sites |
| By April 2026 | Secondary legislation laid in all four nations mandating use from Oct 2026 |
| From October 2026 | Mandatory for receiving site operators |
| From April 2027 | Planned expansion to other operators (TBC) |
4) What existing documents and returns will DWT replace?
- Waste Transfer Notes (WTNs)
- Hazardous/Special Waste Consignment Notes and related returns
- Various aggregated site returns (e.g., quarterly returns), with transition plans by regulators
- For Green List shipments, Annex VII still travels with the waste, but the same data must also be recorded in DWT
5) Are Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) included?
- HWRC operators do not need to record the receipt of household waste from householders in DWT.
- Commercial waste accepted at HWRCs will be recorded, and records are required when waste is removed from HWRCs.
6) What information will we need to record?
Expect a superset of today’s WTN/hazardous consignment requirements, including:
- Waste description and EWC/WM3 classification; POPs identification where relevant
- Quantities/weights, units; weighbridge reconciliation
- Origin, destination, dates/times, routing/trip identifiers
- Carrier/broker/dealer, permits/licences and references
- Evidence (e.g., tip docket photos, signatures, site docket references)
7) How will data be submitted—does this require new software?
DWT is API-first, designed to integrate with commercial platforms (like Tipper360) so data can flow automatically. Government will also provide an alternative digital route for those not using third-party software, and provisions for digitally excluded users.
8) What about Green List exports and EU alignment?
Green list export/import requirements are being reviewed in parallel with the EU’s digital system (DIWASS). Exporters/importers in Northern Ireland will be directly impacted by DIWASS, with potential implications for Great Britain operators handling NI flows.
9) What legal powers underpin DWT?
The Environment Act 2021 gives powers to establish digital waste tracking and set duties on relevant controllers via secondary legislation across the four nations.
10) Will there be a service charge?
Yes. Government’s intent is to spread costs across the expected user base as the service scales, so early phases are not disproportionately charged. Final fee levels and structures will be confirmed.
11) How will enforcement and offences work?
Offences, enforcement and regulator functions will be detailed in secondary legislation. Regulators will use DWT data for targeted audits, roadside checks and to identify anomalous site inputs or problematic waste types.
12) Does DWT cover hazardous and non-hazardous waste?
Yes—DWT intends to cover all controlled waste (household, commercial, industrial), with some pragmatic exceptions and phased scope by activity/operator.
13) What about POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants)?
Identification of POPs forms part of proper waste classification. DWT will require recording of POPs flags where applicable, and receiving sites will capture these data with the load.
14) Will local authority household collections be tracked item-by-item?
Initial implementation focuses on receiving sites. Household waste dropped at HWRCs by householders is not recorded on receipt; however, movements from HWRCs and commercial waste at HWRCs are recorded.
15) How should we prepare now?
- Clean master data — standardise EWC/WM3 codes, permits, site/customer IDs
- API readiness — confirm your platform can integrate or export required fields
- Evidence capture — photos, signatures, docket references by default
- Train crews — short guides for drivers/yards; run a short paper+digital parallel
- Join user/tech groups — stay close to API changes and scope updates
16) Where can we follow official updates?
DEFRA/EA will run user groups and a technical API group; updates are shared through Circular Economy newsletters and policy pages. Tipper360 tracks these and keeps payloads aligned so your exports pass first time.
Need help mapping DWT to your workflows?
Tipper360 integrates field capture, weighbridge reconciliation and per-receiver payloads—so you’re ready long before October 2026.