Digital waste tracking: don't wait until January to get ready

Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) is now mandatory for waste permitted facilities in England and Wales. In Scotland, facilities receiving controlled waste must comply from 1st January 2027. 

Although the Scottish deadline is still a few months away, businesses should start preparing now. Understanding your new obligations, registering for the service and testing how it works before January will help ensure you’re ready and avoid last-minute challenges. 

If you use waste management software, now is the time to check with your provider that they can support the new reporting requirements. If you aren’t using waste management software, you can still report data to the DWT service by using the DEFRA report receipt of waste spreadsheet. Early registration gives you the chance to familiarise yourself with the system, resolve any practical issues and be ready when mandatory use begins. 

Don't wait until January. Register for the service as soon as possible, get familiar with how it works and address any practical issues early. 

Visit the SEPA website for guidance, resources and support. 

Please note, digital waste tracking does not replace current duty of care or waste reporting obligations, so waste data returns must still be submitted as usual.