From October 2026, permitted waste receiving sites in England and Wales must start recording waste movements using a digital service. This marks the first phase of the government’s Digital Waste Tracking programme, designed to replace paper-based and inconsistent reporting.
Phased digital reporting starts with receiving sites
The new system aims to improve transparency and reduce waste crime by creating clearer, traceable records as waste moves through the UK sector. Scotland will introduce the same requirements starting January 2027.
Waste carriers, brokers and dealers are not included in the initial mandatory rollout. Their reporting duties are expected to begin in autumn 2027, according to current draft timetables. A phased approach means impact and preparation times will vary across organisations.
How digital waste tracking works
The digital service records detailed information about waste movements using online submissions. It will connect with existing operational and reporting software through application programming interfaces (APIs). These allow data to be transferred automatically between business systems and the government platform.
Software providers, including Re-flow Field Management, are developing integrations to support the first phase. Re-flow is building a system update to help customers meet reporting requirements within their current workflows. Testing and validation of these integrations are ongoing.
Preparing for change on UK waste sites
Businesses receiving waste should review which sites and waste movements fall under the first phase. They must identify where required data is currently recorded and if their software can connect to the Digital Waste Tracking service. Changes may be needed to processes, system setups and responsibilities for submitting reports.
Operators should engage with software vendors now to understand planned support and any new data capture needs. Existing waste documentation remains valid during the transition, so dual reporting is likely for some time.
Practical steps for waste operators
Organisations that receive, transport, broker or deal in waste must determine which Digital Waste Tracking phase applies to them. Permitted receiving facilities face the earliest mandatory deadlines.
Preparation should focus on confirmed government guidance rather than draft timetables. Early work will help identify gaps in records and systems ahead of the October 2026 start.
Digital Waste Tracking introduces significant changes to UK waste reporting. Early awareness and collaboration with software providers can ease compliance and reduce disruption.
For more information on software solutions supporting this change, visit Re-flow Field Management online.
