Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) is coming to the UK from 1 October 2026. What does this mean for your business?
The way waste movements are recorded in the UK is changing.
The Government is introducing a new national Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) system to improve how waste is recorded, monitored and managed throughout the waste management supply chain.
For most of our customers, the immediate impact is expected to be minimal. Much of the information required is already captured through our existing systems and processes, and GB Recycling Group is preparing its systems and operations ahead of the October 2026 changes.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is Digital Waste Tracking?
Digital Waste Tracking is a new national system for recording information about waste as it moves through the waste management supply chain, from the point where waste is produced through to its recycling or final disposal.
The system is designed to:
Create a clearer digital record of waste movements, from where waste is produced through to collection, receipt, treatment and final destination.
Improve the quality, accuracy and consistency of waste data.
Give regulators greater visibility of waste movements.
Help tackle waste crime and improve compliance across the industry.
When is Digital Waste Tracking starting?
The rollout of Digital Waste Tracking is being introduced in stages.
From 1 October 2026, the first requirements will apply to permitted waste receiving sites. The next significant phase is expected in October 2027, when requirements are due to extend to waste carriers, brokers and dealers. This means that not every business will experience the changes in the same way or at the same time.
What does this mean for GB Recycling Group customers?
For the majority of our customers, there is no need to make major changes to your day-to-day waste arrangements.
We already capture much of the information that will be required for Digital Waste Tracking, including information relating to waste movements, transfer documentation and weighbridge activity.
We are therefore carrying out much of the preparation within our own systems and processes. Our priority is to make the transition as straightforward as possible for our customers, while continuing to meet our regulatory responsibilities.
What is GB Recycling Group doing?
We are reviewing and updating our internal systems and processes to ensure the relevant waste information can be managed and submitted through the new Digital Waste Tracking system.
This includes reviewing how information is captured, stored and shared across our waste operations. For our customers, much of this work will happen behind the scenes.
If we need any additional information or action from you, we will let you know clearly and provide appropriate notice.
Do I need to change anything?
For most customers, not at this stage.
If you already provide the information we need to manage your waste services, we do not currently expect Digital Waste Tracking to result in significant additional administration for your business.
There may, however, be occasions where we ask you to check or confirm information, we hold to ensure our records are accurate and up to date.
If your business has additional responsibilities as a waste carrier, broker or dealer, the position is different. You should start considering how your own waste records are created, stored and managed ahead of the expected October 2027 expansion.
What should businesses be doing now?
Even if Digital Waste Tracking does not require immediate action from your business, now is a good time to make sure your waste records and processes are in order.
Consider:
Reviewing your waste records – Make sure information about your waste movements is accurate and up to date.
Reducing reliance on paper – Consider whether your waste documentation can be managed digitally.
Checking your systems – Make sure your existing software and processes can handle electronic waste information.
Understanding your responsibilities – Particularly if your business acts as a waste carrier, broker or dealer.
Keeping up with guidance – Requirements are being introduced in stages, so continue to monitor updates from the relevant environmental regulators.
What happens from October 2026?
From 1 October 2026, permitted waste receiving sites will begin operating under the first phase of the Digital Waste Tracking requirements.
For GB Recycling Group customers, much of the reporting activity will be incorporated into our existing operational processes. You should continue to use your normal GB Recycling Group arrangements unless we tell you otherwise.
As further phases of the system are introduced, we will keep our customers informed about anything that could affect them.
Digital Waste Tracking FAQs
Is Digital Waste Tracking replacing my waste collection service?
No.
DWT changes the way information about waste movements is recorded and reported. It does not change your existing waste collection arrangements with GB Recycling Group.
Do I need to register for Digital Waste Tracking?
Not necessarily.
The requirements depend on your role within the waste management chain and the stage of the rollout. For many waste producers, there will be no significant additional action required initially.
Will I still receive waste documentation?
Yes.
Your normal waste documentation and records will continue to be provided where applicable. The way information is recorded and shared is changing as the digital system is introduced.
Will this mean more paperwork?
The intention is to move waste tracking towards more digital record keeping and less reliance on traditional paper processes.
For GB Recycling Group customers, we are working to manage as much of the additional reporting as possible through our own systems and processes.
What if I use GB Recycling Group for multiple sites?
The introduction of DWT does not change the basic principle of managing your waste services across multiple locations.
However, accurate site and waste information will become increasingly important as waste movements are recorded digitally. We will continue to work with customers to ensure the information we hold is accurate and up to date.
What if my business is a waste carrier, broker or dealer?
The later phase of DWT is expected to introduce additional requirements for these businesses from October 2027.
If this applies to you, it is worth reviewing your current processes now rather than waiting until the deadline approaches.
Will GB Recycling Group tell me if I need to do something?
Yes.
If we need additional information or action from your business, we will provide clear instructions and give you as much notice as possible.
Where can I find out more?
Digital Waste Tracking is being introduced in stages, and further guidance will continue to be published as the system develops.
We will keep this page updated as the requirements become clearer and will communicate directly with customers where any changes affect the services we provide.
If you have any questions about how Digital Waste Tracking could affect your waste services, please speak to your account manager or your usual GB Recycling Group contact.
We’re here to support you and your business in understanding and preparing for any changes in waste legislation.