DEFRA’s Digital Waste Tracking rollout set for October 2026

Greenzone welcomes the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)’s confirmation that the Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) system will become mandatory from October 2026.

The new system is designed to modernise how waste is recorded, monitored, and reported across England supporting national efforts to tackle waste crime, improve environmental transparency, and drive progress towards a circular economy.

A clear timeline for industry transformation

Following extensive consultation with the sector, DEFRA has confirmed the phased rollout of the DWT system:

Autumn 2025 – Private beta testing with selected permitted waste sites
Spring 2026 – Public beta testing across all permitted/licensed sites
October 2026 – DWT becomes mandatory for permitted/licensed waste facilities
By April 2027 – Rollout expands to include carriers, brokers, dealers, and exempt sites

Bringing waste tracking into the digital age

Under the new system, all waste movements into permitted or licensed sites must be recorded digitally, replacing outdated paper-based documentation. Key data will include:

Waste classification (EWC codes), SIC codes and movement reference numbers
Origin and destination details
Waste treatment processes and end destinations
Multiple data submission options will be available, including API integration, CSV uploads, and a secure online portal – making compliance accessible for operators of all sizes.

What businesses should do next

With final details of the rollout (including charging structures and regulatory updates) expected by September 2025, Greenzone recommends that businesses: