Digital Waste Tracking is coming.
Is your business ready?
DEFRA's mandatory Digital Waste Tracking system replaces all paper-based Waste Transfer Notes from October 2026. Every waste carrier in England must submit electronic records. Paper WTNs will no longer be accepted.
What is Digital Waste Tracking?
Digital Waste Tracking is DEFRA's new mandatory system that will replace all paper-based waste documentation in England. Instead of handwritten Waste Transfer Notes, every waste movement will be recorded electronically and submitted to a central government system.
The goal is to create a complete, real-time digital trail of waste from the point of collection to its final destination — whether that's recycling, treatment, or disposal. This closes the gaps that have allowed illegal dumping to cost the UK over £1 billion annually.
For waste carriers, this means you'll need software that can generate digital Waste Transfer Notes, capture electronic signatures, manage EWC codes, and submit records electronically to DEFRA's system. Paper-based processes will simply stop being legal.
Key dates you need to know
Simpler Recycling — large businesses
Simpler Recycling — SMEs & micro businesses
Digital Waste Tracking mandatory — all carriers
Full enforcement — brokers, dealers must comply
What you need to do to comply
Move from paper to digital Waste Transfer Notes
Paper WTNs will not be accepted after October 2026. You need software that generates digital WTNs with all required fields — waste descriptions, EWC codes, carrier details, and signatures.
Implement electronic signatures
DEFRA requires electronic signatures on waste transfer documentation. Your drivers need a way to capture legally-binding signatures at the point of collection.
Adopt EWC code classification
Every waste movement must be classified using European Waste Catalogue codes. You need a system that makes it easy for drivers to select the correct codes without manual lookup.
Ensure electronic record submission
Records must be submitted electronically to DEFRA's central system. Your software must be capable of API integration with DEFRA's Digital Waste Tracking platform.
Train your team before the deadline
Don't wait until October 2026. Give your drivers and office staff time to learn the new system. Starting early means a smooth transition with no disruption to operations.
Paper vs Digital: why the switch matters
| Paper WTNs | Digital WTNs | |
|---|---|---|
| Waste Transfer Notes | Handwritten, often incomplete — 41% have data gaps | Auto-generated with required fields enforced |
| Signatures | Wet ink on paper, easily lost or damaged | Legally-binding e-signatures captured on-device |
| EWC Codes | Looked up manually, frequently wrong | Searchable database, auto-populated from job details |
| Record Keeping | Filing cabinets, boxes of paper | Cloud-stored, instantly searchable, always accessible |
| Audit Trail | Difficult to reconstruct, gaps in chain of custody | Complete digital trail from collection to disposal |
| DEFRA Submission | Will not be accepted from October 2026 | Direct electronic submission via API |
How PaperRoute makes you compliant
PaperRoute already includes everything you need for Digital Waste Tracking compliance — built into every plan, ready today.
Digital Waste Transfer Notes
Generate legally-compliant digital WTNs on every collection — automatically populated with customer, waste, and EWC code data. No more handwriting. No more missing fields.
E-Signatures on Device
Drivers capture legally-binding electronic signatures on their iPad at the point of collection. Signatures are embedded directly into the WTN — no paper required.
EWC Code Management
Full European Waste Catalogue code database built into PaperRoute. Codes are linked to customers and waste streams — drivers select from pre-configured options, eliminating errors.
Certificates of Destruction
Generate branded Certificates of Destruction with witness signatures, waste descriptions, and destruction methods. Essential for confidential waste operators — built into every PaperRoute plan.
Digital Waste Tracking FAQ
What is Digital Waste Tracking?
Digital Waste Tracking is DEFRA's new mandatory system replacing paper-based Waste Transfer Notes in England. All waste carriers, brokers, and dealers will be required to submit electronic waste movement records through DEFRA's central system. This creates a complete digital trail from waste creation to final disposal.
When does Digital Waste Tracking become mandatory?
DEFRA's Digital Waste Tracking system becomes mandatory for all waste carriers in England from October 2026. Full enforcement for brokers and dealers follows in April 2027. Operators who are not digitally ready by October 2026 will not be able to issue compliant Waste Transfer Notes.
What do I need to comply with Digital Waste Tracking?
You need software capable of generating digital Waste Transfer Notes with e-signatures, EWC waste classification codes, hazardous waste indicators, and the ability to submit records electronically to DEFRA's system. PaperRoute already includes all of these features and will integrate with DEFRA's API when it launches.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Non-compliance with waste duty of care regulations can result in fines of up to £50,000 for businesses and potential criminal prosecution. With Digital Waste Tracking, DEFRA will have real-time visibility into waste movements, making enforcement more effective and non-compliance easier to detect.
See PaperRoute waste collection software in action
Book a free 15-minute demo and see the full end-to-end flow: route planning, driver app collection, digital WTN generation, and Sage invoicing — the only waste management platform that does it all.
PaperRoute's Sage integration — collection data flows straight into your accounts.
No commitment. We'll show you how PaperRoute works for your specific operation.