Digital Waste Tracking
Improving waste traceability and compliance
What is Digital Waste Tracking?
Digital Waste Tracking is a new UK-wide system, in development, designed to modernise the way waste movements are tracked and recorded. It will replace traditional paper waste documents with a digital process, helping improve transparency, simplify compliance and support the fight against waste crime.
How does the system work?
Digital Waste Tracking is a central online system that records information about waste as it moves throughout its journey. Each waste movement is assigned a unique reference, creating a record of where the waste came from, who handled it and where it was taken.
All parties involved in the waste journey, including carriers and disposal facilities, input and access the same shared system. This means waste records are updated at each stage, from collection through to final treatment or disposal.
The government is planning that it will replace paper Waste Transfer Notes (WTNs) and consignment notes with a single digital process, so all movements are recorded in one place.
When does Digital Waste Tracking become mandatory in the UK?
Phase 1 of Digital Waste Tracking is being introduced in October 2026 and will see the legislation be rolled out to all waste receiving sites and facilities. This will be mandatory for operators across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
In October 2027 (phase 2), Digital Waste Tracking is going to be expanded so that information about individual movements of waste from the place it is produced to the receiving site is also captured. This will be mandatory for all waste carriers and brokers
Are Grundon aware of the Phase 1 requirements?
Yes, Grundon is fully prepared for the introduction of Phase 1 Digital Waste Tracking. We have been reviewing and updating our systems to ensure compliance with the applicable requirements and are ready to meet our obligations. We are continuing to monitor the requirements and guidance as the system develops and will keep customers updated where there are any changes that may affect them.
What type of waste needs to be tracked?
Digital Waste Tracking will apply to most waste streams, including, but not limited to:
- General waste
- Dry mixed recycling
- Food waste
- Glass waste
- Hazardous waste
- Construction waste
Any waste collected, transported and processed through the waste management chain will need to be recorded through the digital system.
What are the benefits of Digital Waste Tracking?
Digital Waste Tracking is designed to make waste record management more consistent, accessible and efficient. By moving away from paper documentation, businesses will benefit from improved organisation of waste records and easier access to information.
The system is also intended to help improve traceability across the waste journey, making it harder for waste to be mismanaged or illegal disposed of. By creating clearer digital records, Digital Waste Tracking aims to support the fight against waste crime while helping businesses demonstrate compliance more effectively.
Does my business, as a waste producer, need to do anything?
At present, waste producers are not required to make any changes to their existing processes. The requirements introduced under this legislation so far only apply to organisations that collect, transport, process or otherwise manage waste, like Grundon.
What are Grundon doing to prepare for Digital Waste Tracking?
We are taking a number of steps to prepare for the introduction of Digital Waste Tracking. This includes reviewing our existing systems and processes, making any necessary updates and monitoring the latest government guidance as the system develops. We are also training our teams so they are familiar with the new requirements and ready to support the introduction of Digital Waste Tracking.
Will my business need to change any systems or ways of working before Phase 2?
No, businesses will not need to make changes to their own systems or ways of working for Phase 2 of Digital Waste Tracking. The responsibility for recording and managing the relevant digital waste tracking information will sit with the company that organises the waste collection, such as Grundon. Phase 2 will provide your business with greater visibility of where your waste is taken after it has been collected, helping you to track the onward journey of your waste.
How Grundon can help
Our team is here to support your business. Contact us today if you have any questions about the new system.