Digital Waste Tracking: What Businesses Need to Know
A new era of waste management is coming.
From October 2026, all permitted and licensed waste receiving sites in England will be required to use the government’s new Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) service. This is part of a wider effort to modernise the way waste is recorded, managed and regulated, while reducing waste crime, and in particular damage to the environment, particularly affecting local communities.
At Hills Waste Solutions, we welcome this development and see it as a positive step towards greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency across the waste and resources sector.
What is Digital Waste Tracking (DWT)?
DWT will replace paper-based or disconnected digital records with a single, centralised platform that tracks the journey of waste in real time. Whether you’re a waste producer, carrier, or receiver, the system will help ensure the right information is captured at the right time.
Why It Matters for Business
Combat waste crime, such as fly-tipping
and illegal waste sites
Protect legitimate businesses from being undercut by rogue operators
When is it coming?
Key milestones include:
Autumn
2025
Early testing with selected users
Spring
2026
The current ambition is to have the system available at this time
October
2026
Mandatory use for waste receiving sites
April
2027
Onwards - Planned expansion to other operators
We’ll be supporting our customers every step of the way, helping to ensure the transition to digital tracking is smooth and straightforward as possible.
Looking Ahead
Digital waste tracking will change how businesses manage their waste reporting and accountability — for the better. It’s a move towards smarter regulation, clearer data, with stronger environmental benefits. Hills Waste Solutions will continue to monitor developments and provide guidance to help businesses stay informed and compliant as more information is released. Hills and our suppliers are developing our online portal to ensure our customers are provided with this important information, when they need it. We will provide further information nearer the time.
