The first mandatory phase of Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) came into force on 1st October 2026, permitted and licensed waste receiving sites in England and Wales must report the controlled waste they receive using the government’s ‘Report receipt of waste’ service.

This is the start of a phased shift from paper-based systems to a single digital record of waste movements across the UK. It sits alongside (rather than immediately replacing) existing Waste Transfer Notes, consignment notes and returns.

What Phase 1 requires

Operators of permitted sites that receive controlled waste (including transfer stations, treatment facilities, recyclers and similar sites) must submit a digital record of every load within two working days of receipt (excluding weekends and bank holidays).

The record includes:

• Movement, carrier and receiver details
• Waste classification codes (EWC / List of Waste codes)
• Recovery or disposal codes
• Specific information on hazardous waste and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) where they apply.

Sites can submit via software that connects to the service (API) or by uploading a government spreadsheet template. There is an annual fee per legal entity. Non-compliance can lead to compliance notices, monetary penalties or prosecution.

Scotland and Northern Ireland follow from 1 January 2027. Phase 2, which will bring carriers, brokers and dealers into the system, is planned for October 2027 (with public beta expected in spring 2027).

What this means for our clients

As a waste broker, Footprint Recycling arranges collections and destinations on your behalf.

• Waste producers are not required to use the digital service in Phase 1. Your duty of care continues unchanged: you must transfer waste only to an authorised person, describe it accurately, and retain complete Waste Transfer Notes (or equivalent) for the required period.
• Destination sites are now responsible for creating the digital receipt record.
• Existing paperwork still travels with the load and must be completed correctly. Accurate descriptions and classification on the WTN help receiving sites meet their new obligations and support the wider goal of better traceability.

Why accurate waste tracking matters

Digital Waste Tracking is designed to close the information gaps that have long made waste crime harder to detect and prosecute. By giving regulators more timely, consistent data on where waste is received, the system supports faster identification of suspicious patterns and stronger enforcement.

For legitimate businesses it also delivers practical benefits:

• Greater transparency across the supply chain
• Stronger evidence of compliance and due diligence
• Improved data for sustainability reporting and circular-economy goals
• Reduced risk of materials being mismanaged or diverted.

What Footprint Recycling is doing

We continue to work with our collection suppliers and receiving sites to confirm they understand the Phase 1 requirements, have tested their processes and software, and are ready for mandatory reporting. We are also reinforcing the need for complete and accurate Waste Transfer Notes on every movement.

As Phase 2 approaches, we will keep reviewing how the system evolves for brokers and carriers so we can support you with minimal disruption.

 Next steps for you

1. Continue to keep complete Waste Transfer Notes for every collection.
2. Make sure waste descriptions and classifications are accurate – this supports both your duty of care and the receiving site’s digital reporting.
3. Read the official guidance on GOV.UK and monitor updates as the service develops.
4. Contact us if you have any questions about how this affects the service we provide.

We are here to help you stay compliant and confident as the industry moves to digital tracking. If you would like to discuss any aspect of your waste arrangements, please call us on 01484 660770.