DEFRA digital waste tracking
is now mandatory for receiving sites.
Carriers follow from 2027.
Since 1 October 2026, permitted and exempt receiving sites must report every waste receipt to DEFRA within two working days. Waste transfer notes still apply to everyone. QWTN does the notes today and submits receipts to DEFRA (production approval in progress).
The mandate
What is the DEFRA digital
waste tracking mandate?
The Environment Act 2021 gave government the power to require businesses that receive, carry and produce controlled waste to report waste movements to the DEFRA Digital Waste Tracking Service. It is being phased in, starting with receiving sites.
In Phase 1, every site that receives waste under a permit or exemption must report each load it receives within two working days, usually through its software via the DEFRA API. Waste transfer notes and consignment notes still apply to every transfer: DWT runs alongside them.
The service launched in April 2026. Mandatory use began on 1 October 2026 for waste receiving sites. Carriers and brokers are expected from October 2027; producers later, on dates not yet confirmed.
Key facts at a glance
Affected businesses
Who does it affect?
Receiving sites now, carriers from 2027, producers later. Every business on this list still needs waste transfer notes today.
Not sure if you are in scope? If you hold a permit or registered exemption to receive waste, you are in Phase 1 now. Otherwise, your duty of care (a WTN for every transfer) is unchanged. Digital WTNs through QWTN are free for one-off notes.
Your action plan
Are you compliant yet?
Three steps to get your paperwork digital before your phase applies.
Start recording waste movements digitally now
Use QWTN to generate fully digital waste transfer notes for every controlled waste movement today. Build the habit before it becomes a legal requirement.
Ensure your waste carrier is EA-registered
Every waste carrier you use must be registered with the Environment Agency. QWTN has a built-in EA carrier register check. Verify your collector before you hand over your waste.
Keep digital records for 2 years
The law requires waste transfer records to be kept for a minimum of 2 years. QWTN stores all your notes securely in the cloud so you can find any record in seconds.
How QWTN helps
What QWTN covers today
Digital waste transfer notes now, and DEFRA receipt submission for receiving sites (built in, DEFRA production approval in progress).
Fully digital WTNs (no paper)
Every note is created, signed and stored digitally. Nothing to print, post or file manually.
EWC waste classification codes
Built-in European Waste Catalogue codes ensure every note carries the correct waste classification.
EA carrier register verification
Check any carrier is registered with the Environment Agency before the transfer takes place.
Legal e-signatures
Compliant electronic signatures from both transferor and carrier, captured on any device.
2-year cloud storage
All notes are stored securely for the legally required minimum retention period, automatically.
DEFRA receipt submission
Receiving sites can submit each load to the DWT Receipt API from QWTN. Built in; DEFRA production approval in progress.
Free to use
Create waste transfer notes free, no account needed for one-off notes.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything businesses are asking about the DEFRA digital waste tracking mandate.
What is the DEFRA digital waste tracking mandate?
The DEFRA digital waste tracking mandate is a requirement under the Environment Act 2021 that will require businesses receiving, carrying and later producing controlled waste in the UK to report waste movements to the DEFRA Digital Waste Tracking Service. Phase 1 (from October 2026) covers permitted and exempt receiving sites, which must report each receipt within two working days. It runs alongside waste transfer notes rather than replacing them.
When does mandatory digital waste tracking start?
The DEFRA Digital Waste Tracking Service launched in April 2026. Mandatory use began on 1 October 2026 for waste receiving sites (permitted/licensed facilities) and October 2027 for waste carriers and collectors. The rollout is phased, so prepare now.
Does the digital waste tracking mandate apply to my business?
Right now it applies to sites that receive waste under a permit or exemption (transfer stations, MRFs, treatment and disposal sites). Carriers and brokers are expected to come into scope from October 2027. Producers such as builders, offices and restaurants are not yet required to report, but still need waste transfer notes for every transfer.
What happens if I do not comply with digital waste tracking?
Non-compliance can result in regulatory enforcement action from the Environment Agency, significant fines, and potentially the loss of your waste carrier licence. The Environment Agency has broad powers to investigate and prosecute businesses that fail to meet their waste duty of care obligations.
Can I still use paper waste transfer notes?
Yes. Digital waste tracking does not replace waste transfer notes or hazardous consignment notes, which continue until further notice. Receiving sites must additionally report each receipt to DEFRA. Digital notes simply make that reporting far easier.
How does QWTN help me comply with digital waste tracking?
QWTN creates fully digital waste transfer notes with EWC codes, carrier register checks, e-signatures and 2-year storage. For receiving sites it also builds the DEFRA receipt record from each load and submits it to the Digital Waste Tracking API. That submission is built in and currently going through DEFRA production approval.
Get compliant now. It's free.
QWTN generates fully digital waste transfer notes. No account required for a single note. Get started in under two minutes.
The Environment Agency can request your records at any time. Digital records are easier to produce than paper.
No sign-up needed for one-off notes · DEFRA receipt reporting built in · Built for England and Wales