Digital waste tracking comms: Getting prepared & survey
Get ready for digital waste tracking
The Digital Waste Tracking (Scotland) Regulations 2026 come into force on 1st January 2027. If you operate a waste permitted facility receiving controlled waste in Scotland, you’ll need to submit information using the UK digital waste tracking (DWT) service.
Digital waste tracking will introduce a more consistent way of recording and reporting waste movements across the UK. The data collected will help create a clearer picture of how waste moves through Scotland, supporting legitimate businesses, strengthen regulation and help drive a more efficient circular economy.
The new system will not immediately remove or change any of your existing duty of care or waste reporting requirements, which remain in place.
What should businesses do now?
Taking a few simple steps now will help ensure you're ready when the new requirements come into force.
Check if digital waste tracking applies to you. Information about who digital waste tracking applies to is available on SEPA’s website.
Create an account for the UK digital waste tracking service. You should set up an account and register with the UK digital waste tracking service as soon as possible. You’ll also need to pay the annual service charge of £26 by 31st January 2027. If the fee is not paid by this date, you will not be able to upload your data.
Prepare your data for submission. You can submit your data through a software provider using an application programming interface (API), or by completing and uploading a spreadsheet available on the DEFRA website.
If you already use waste management software, contact your software provider now to confirm it will integrate with the digital waste tracking service.
It’s your responsibility to ensure you have the systems and processes in place to meet your reporting obligations.
If you're digitally excluded
If you're a digitally excluded person, you won't be required to use the digital waste tracking service. However, you'll still need to meet your other digital waste tracking obligations and must notify SEPA by completing an application form.
Digital exclusion only applies to natural persons, such as sole traders, where it is not reasonably practical to use electronic communications or where religious beliefs prevent their use.
Application forms can be requested from SEPA by calling 0300 099 6699 or by writing to: SEPA, Angus Smith Building, Unit 6, 4 Parklands Avenue, Holytown, Motherwell, ML1 4WQ
Helping understand your readiness
To help SEPA understand how prepared businesses are for the new obligations, they are asking operators to complete a short survey. Your feedback will help them understand any challenges you're facing and shape future guidance and compliance support. The survey closes on 7th December 2026.
Don't leave it until the last minute. Register for the service, speak to your software provider and start preparing now.