Operators of waste receiving sites must use the Digital Waste Tracking System from 1 October 2026. This excludes Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs).
A circular economy
Digital waste tracking will make it easier to understand the waste created and what happens to it. Businesses can use this information to reuse and recycle more. It will also help fight against waste crime.
The digital waste tracking system
All four governments in the UK agreed to work together to introduce a UK-wide Digital Waste Tracking System. In Wales, Natural Resources Wales will be enforcing the Regulations.
Email: wastetracking@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk
Regulations
The Senedd agreed The Digital Waste Tracking (Wales) Regulations 2026 on 24 March. They come into force on 1 October 2026. Operators of permitted waste receiving sites must enter specified information about the waste they receive into the Digital Waste Tracking System. Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) are not in scope in Wales.
An Application Program Interface (API) is the primary submission route. However, you can use a temporary spreadsheet if you do not currently have your own software. The project will track usage and the spreadsheet is expected to be in place until October 2027. We expect an API route to be needed by that time.
Latest information
You can find out the latest information by visiting the Mandatory digital waste tracking project’s web page [GOV.UK]
Guidance
The project recently published guidance [GOV.UK] on how to use the report receipt of waste service.
Get help with digital waste tracking
Digital waste tracking helpline
Phone: 03000 203 781
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm
Closed on bank holidays
Find out about call charges [GOV.UK]
Progress updates
You can find more information on this project:
Sign up to receive the latest news on Defra’s Circular Economy reforms, which include updates on digital waste tracking.
Register your interest in waste tracking user groups [defragroup.eu].