A major announcement in the waste industry
The way waste is recorded and tracked across the UK is changing. From 1st October 2026, the Government is introducing Digital Waste Tracking (DWT), a nationwide initiative designed to replace traditional paper-based waste documentation with a modern digital system.
What are the benefits of Digital Waste Tracking?
While this change will modernise how waste information is recorded, the real benefits go far beyond reducing paperwork. Digital Waste Tracking will provide greater visibility of where waste comes from and where it ends up, creating a more transparent and accountable waste management system. It will help businesses demonstrate compliance more easily, improve the quality of waste data available across the sector, and support efforts to tackle waste crime and illegal disposal.
By creating a clear digital trail for waste movements, DWT will also help the industry identify opportunities to increase recycling rates, recover more materials, and support the transition to a more circular economy.
What Does This Mean for Coastal Recycling Customers?
For most customers, very little will change.
Coastal Recycling already operates with predominantly digital processes and captures most of the information required under the new legislation. Because of this, we are well positioned for the transition and do not anticipate any significant increase in administration for our customers.
The majority of the work required to meet the new requirements will be carried out within Coastal Recycling’s own systems and operational processes.
How Is Coastal Recycling Preparing for Digital Waste Tracking?
Behind the scenes, we are updating the way we store, manage and share waste movement information so that it can connect with the national Digital Waste Tracking platform.
These enhancements are designed to ensure:
- Full compliance with the new legislation.
- Seamless reporting of waste movement data.
- Minimal disruption for customers.
- Continued efficiency and accuracy in our services.
Phase 1: From 1st October 2026
The first phase of Digital Waste Tracking applies primarily to permitted waste receiving sites, including Coastal Recycling facilities.
As a waste receiving site, we will be responsible for reporting waste receipt information through the new national platform.
What Coastal Recycling Customers Need to Do?
In most cases, no action will be required.
We already collect key information such as:
- Electronic waste transfer notes.
- Weighbridge records.
- Waste movement data.
Our systems are now being enhanced so this information can be submitted directly to the Digital Waste Tracking platform, ensuring compliance without creating additional work for our customers.
Phase 2: Expected From October 2027
The second phase of the scheme is expected to expand the requirements to include:
- Waste carriers.
- Brokers.
- Dealers.
If your organisation operates in any of these roles, it may be beneficial to start preparing now.
Recommended preparation steps
Consider reviewing your current processes and:
- Assess how waste transfer notes are created and stored.
- Move away from paper-based records where possible.
- Ensure waste movement records are retained electronically.
- Review software systems to confirm they can support digital data exchange.
- Keep up to date with future guidance from DEFRA and the Environment Agency.
Will We Need Additional Information from You?
At present, we do not expect to require any significant additional information from our customers.
From time to time, we may ask you to verify certain details to ensure records remain accurate, complete and compliant. If any specific actions become necessary in the future, we will provide clear guidance and plenty of notice well in advance.
We’re Here to Help
If you have any questions about Digital Waste Tracking or would like to understand how the changes may affect your business, our team is happy to help.
Call: 01392 826456
Email: customerservices@coastaluk.co.uk
The way waste is recorded and tracked across the UK is changing.