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Policy paper

Developing the digital waste tracking service

Our plans to introduce mandatory digital waste tracking, the benefits of this change, the timelines and impacts.

Updates to this page

From:
Environment Agency and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Published:
25 April 2022
Last updated:
1 October 2026
Show all updates

  1. Removed the invitation to register to use the service, as it is now open for public testing. Moved contact details and information about the service charge to the 'Report receipt of waste' service start page. Moved information about household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) and who needs to use the service to the 'Digital waste tracking: check if you need to report the waste you receive' guidance. Adjusted the timeline for including waste exemptions. These will be included in a later phase. Removed details on the waste tracking service user groups, as these are now closed.

  2. Updated guidance on the annual charge for using the service. The first charge will now be due by 31 January 2027. If you register later in the year, you will still need to pay the full amount.

  3. Clarified that the service will now become mandatory in Northern Ireland from January 2027. Updated the help desk opening hours to '8am to 6pm'.

  4. Updated the page to reflect that: 1. The service is now open for public testing (public beta). 2. Household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) in Northern Ireland will no longer need to record waste in phase 1. 3. Waste exemptions are not included in phase 1. 4. Working groups and technical groups have been replaced by an industry co-design group (mentioned under 'Next steps'). 5. The timeline for laying secondary legislation that mandates use of the service has changed to summer 2026.

  5. Corrected the Digital Waste Tracking helpline phone number.

  6. Clarified that the service charge will be required for any legal entity that creates or edits records in the service.

  7. Added information on the alternative data collection solution for waste receivers not currently operating with software. Also updated the information in the following sections: Household waste recycling centres, Service charge fee, Green list waste exports and imports, Timelines, Get help with digital waste tracking. The Welsh language version will be updated soon.

  8. Updated the contact details for getting help with digital waste tracking.

  9. Added a section - apply to test the service in private beta.

  10. Update to the digital waste tracking implementation policy. This includes 1) the service that will be introduced 2) who will need to comply with mandatory digital waste tracking requirements and when.

  11. Removed 'mandatory' from 'digital waste tracking will be introduced/come into force from April 2026.'

  12. Mandatory digital waste tracking will now come into force from April 2026.

  13. Updated to reflect that mandatory digital waste tracking will be introduced from April 2025.

  14. First published.

Documents

Developing the digital waste tracking service

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Details

We plan to introduce mandatory digital waste tracking across the UK. 

This paper outlines our policy including:

  • the benefits of the change
  • how the service is being developed
  • the expected delivery timelines

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