DEFRA Digital Waste Tracking: what it means for waste operators

Oliver Revolta, Researcher & Copywriter

DEFRA Digital Waste Tracking: what it means for waste operators

DEFRA’s Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) programme is moving closer to implementation, with the first mandatory phase due to come into force in October 2026 for waste receiving sites in England and Wales. Scotland is expected to follow from January 2027.

The new system is designed to modernise how waste information is recorded and shared, replacing paper-based processes with a more consistent digital approach. Over time, the programme is expected to create a single framework for tracking waste movements across the sector.

This is part of a wider government initiative to improve transparency, reduce waste crime, and replace historic paper-based reporting with a single digital system for recording waste movements.

For businesses operating permitted waste receiving sites, the first phase introduces new reporting requirements focused specifically on waste received at a facility. DEFRA is supporting software integration through APIs, enabling software providers to connect directly with the Digital Waste Tracking service.

Who is affected?

Phase 1 applies to waste receiving sites and their obligation to report waste received. Waste carriers, brokers, and dealers are not included in the initial mandatory rollout.

However, further phases are already planned. Phase 2, currently in development and expected in Autumn 2027, is set to introduce mandatory requirements for waste carriers and brokers/dealers.

This means that while some organisations will need to prepare for October 2026, many more businesses across the waste sector are likely to be impacted as the wider programme develops.

What Re‑flow customers need to know

As Digital Waste Tracking moves towards implementation, one of the most common questions from operators is whether their existing systems will be able to support the new requirements. Re‑flow has been actively developing support for DEFRA Digital Waste Tracking and is working towards delivering a compatible solution ahead of the October 2026 deadline.

Our focus is straightforward: helping customers meet new compliance requirements with as little disruption as possible. We recognise that waste management businesses already manage a wide range of operational, environmental, and regulatory responsibilities. Any new reporting requirement needs to fit into existing workflows, rather than creating additional administrative burden.

To support this, we are developing an integration with the DEFRA Digital Waste Tracking service that will enable affected customers to meet Phase 1 requirements through Re‑flow.

No immediate action required

While the October 2026 deadline is quickly approaching, Re‑flow clients do not need to make any immediate changes to their current set up.

Development work is ongoing and we will continue to provide updates as testing, validation, and implementation planning progress. As further details become available, we’ll share practical guidance covering:

How Re‑flow supports Digital Waste Tracking requirements
Whether any configuration changes are required
How customers can enable the integration
Recommended timelines for implementation
Any additional compliance considerations for affected businesses

Our aim is to ensure clients have plenty of time to prepare before the legislation becomes mandatory.

Looking ahead

Digital Waste Tracking represents a significant change for the waste sector and forms part of a broader shift towards more transparent, digital regulatory processes.

For waste receiving sites, October 2026 marks the first major milestone. For carriers, brokers, and dealers, future phases are likely to bring additional requirements in the years that follow. As the programme develops, Re‑flow will continue working closely with DEFRA’s Digital Waste Tracking framework and will provide clients with clear information, guidance, and support throughout the transition.

For now, the key message is simple. If your business may be affected by Digital Waste Tracking, Re‑flow is preparing, and plans to have a compatible solution available ahead of the mandatory Phase 1 deadline.