Digital Waste Tracking Software
for UK Waste Operators
Phase 1 is now live for permitted and licensed receiving sites in England and Wales. Receiving sites in Scotland and Northern Ireland follow on 1 January 2027. Collector, carrier, broker and dealer reporting is planned for October 2027.
The actual receiving-site workflow
From a load arriving to a reviewed receipt
Set up your permitted site, record what arrives and review the receipt before reporting. PaperRoute keeps the yard observations and submission status together so your team can spot missing information and correct a record when needed.
- 1
Set up the site
We configure the permitted receiving site and the people who will capture and review receipts.
- 2
Check the load in the Yard
Record the arriving load, observed waste contents, weight and any difference from the expected details.
- 3
Review and report
Review required information, submit the receipt through the configured DEFRA connection and see its status.
- 4
Resolve exceptions
Investigate validation issues and make corrections with a traceable record.
A digital Waste Transfer Note documents a transfer. Digital Waste Tracking receipt reporting is a separate requirement for in-scope receiving sites. Existing WTN and consignment-note duties still apply.
What is Digital Waste Tracking?
Digital Waste Tracking is DEFRA's new mandatory system that records waste movements through a central digital service. It is being introduced in phases rather than as a single deadline for every organisation.
The goal is to create a clearer digital trail of waste from its origin through collection, treatment, recovery or disposal. That gives regulators and businesses more consistent information about where waste goes.
Permitted and licensed receiving sites in England and Wales must now report the waste they receive. Receiving sites in Scotland and Northern Ireland follow in January 2027. Collector, carrier, broker and dealer reporting is planned for October 2027, so those operators can use the time to check their records and prepare their teams.
Key dates you need to know
Phase 1: mandatory receipt reporting for permitted and licensed receiving sites in England and Wales.
Phase 1 extends to permitted and licensed receiving sites in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Phase 2: public testing planned for waste collectors.
Phase 2: mandatory reporting planned for collectors, carriers, brokers and dealers.
Next receiving-site rollout · January 2027
Preparing a site in Scotland or Northern Ireland?
Check the guidance for your receiving operation, compare reporting routes and review your setup with the office and Yard team.
FOR WASTE COLLECTION BUSINESSES
Preparing for DEFRA Digital Waste Tracking Phase 2
We’re gradually adapting PaperRoute for the next stage of Digital Waste Tracking. Preparation is already underway, including intended destination sites and waste-origin information within collection bookings.
Intended destinations
Choose from saved receiving sites, use waste-stream defaults and change the destination for a particular booking.
Waste origins
Record where the waste came from separately from the driver’s collection address. Origin details are optional for now.
A gradual transition
We’ll continue adapting workflows and explaining changes as DEFRA develops its guidance and technical requirements.
Collector public testing is planned for spring 2027, with mandatory use planned from October 2027. This is preparation for the developing collector service; eligible receiving-site reporting is already a separate configured workflow.
See how we’re preparing for Phase 2 →What DEFRA's Digital Waste Tracking Mandate Means for Your Business
Phase 1 is already live: permitted and licensed receiving sites in England and Wales must report waste receipts from 1 October 2026. Receiving sites in Scotland and Northern Ireland follow on 1 January 2027. Phase 2 reporting for waste collectors, carriers, brokers and dealers is planned for October 2027.
For most operators, the preparation is operational: understand the data required for your role, capture it consistently during each job, and choose a reliable route for submitting it. If your current process depends on WTN pads, spreadsheets or re-keying, moving to structured digital records early reduces the work at changeover.
Software supports this process, but it does not transfer your legal responsibilities to the software provider. You should check the current government guidance for your role and make sure your own procedures, data and staff training are ready.
PaperRoute is DEFRA Approved and ready for Digital Waste Tracking. It creates digital Waste Transfer Notes, manages waste classification data, captures electronic signatures and stores movement records.
Five checks for your reporting workflow
Confirm which phase applies to your business
Phase 1 is live for in-scope receiving sites in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland follow on 1 January 2027. Collector reporting is planned for October 2027.
Review the information you capture
Compare the current government requirements for your role with the data you collect at booking, collection and receipt. Identify missing or inconsistent fields.
Create structured digital records
Move repeat customer, site, waste and classification information into a digital workflow so staff do not have to decipher paper or re-key the same details.
Choose your submission route
Decide how your required waste-movement data will reach the Digital Waste Tracking service and confirm that the software and process work for your operation.
Review the process with your team
For receiving sites already in scope, check the live reporting process now. For later phases, improve records and prepare staff while following official testing updates.
Paper vs Digital: why the switch matters
| Paper WTNs | Digital WTNs | |
|---|---|---|
| Waste Transfer Notes | Handwritten, harder to search and prone to missing fields | Auto-generated with required fields enforced |
| Signatures | Wet ink on paper, easily lost or damaged | Electronic signatures kept with the job record |
| 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 |
| DWT submission | Information must be re-keyed from paper records | Structured data can be prepared for electronic submission |
DEFRA Approved and ready for Digital Waste Tracking
PaperRoute gives your team a proven route from day-to-day waste records to the phased Digital Waste Tracking service.
Digital Waste Transfer Notes
Create digital WTNs on every collection, populated with customer, waste and classification data. Required operational fields can be captured consistently at source.
E-Signatures on Device
Drivers can capture electronic signatures in the Android and iOS driver app at the point of collection and keep them with the job record.
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.
Book your free PaperRoute demo
Choose a time for a free demo shaped around your collection or receiving-site operation. We’ll show you the relevant workflows and discuss your setup, training and subscription.
Free demo, no obligation. Setup and training included with your subscription.
This is for using PaperRoute in your day-to-day work. We’ll discuss the setup plan on the call.
Digital Waste Tracking FAQ
How is PaperRoute preparing for DEFRA Phase 2?
PaperRoute is gradually adapting collection workflows, including saved intended destination sites, waste-stream destination defaults and waste-origin information. Origin details are optional during preparation, including an unknown-origin option. We will continue updating workflows as DEFRA develops its requirements. This preparation is separate from the existing receiving-site reporting connection.
What is Digital Waste Tracking?
Digital Waste Tracking is the government's service for recording waste movements digitally. Phase 1 is live for permitted and licensed receiving sites in England and Wales from 1 October 2026. Receiving sites in Scotland and Northern Ireland follow on 1 January 2027. Phase 2 reporting for waste collectors, carriers, brokers and dealers is planned for October 2027.
When does Digital Waste Tracking become mandatory?
Phase 1 is already mandatory for permitted and licensed receiving sites in England and Wales, since 1 October 2026. It extends to receiving sites in Scotland and Northern Ireland on 1 January 2027. Phase 2 reporting for waste collectors, carriers, brokers and dealers is planned for October 2027.
Does software on its own make my business compliant?
No. Your legal duties remain your responsibility and depend on your role and the waste movements you handle. The right software can reduce manual work, improve the quality of your records and provide a route for submitting the required data.
Is PaperRoute DEFRA Approved and ready for Digital Waste Tracking?
PaperRoute is listed by DEFRA as compatible software for reporting receipt of waste. For eligible receiving sites, we configure and check the connection before live reporting. Digital Waste Transfer Notes and the later collector reporting phase are separate workflows.
What should waste collectors and carriers do now?
Waste collectors and carriers should review their records and follow the planned Phase 2 testing timetable. Mandatory collector use is planned for October 2027; the final requirements and available integrations should be checked as the service develops.
Can I prepare before my mandatory date?
Yes. Moving your operational records into a structured digital workflow now gives you time to check your data, train staff and resolve gaps without a last-minute changeover.
Related guides and resources
DEFRA Digital Waste Tracking Checklist: 10 Steps to Compliance
A practical checklist for reviewing your records and preparing for the phase that applies to your business.
Digital Waste Tracking 2026: What UK Waste Collectors Need to Know
A guide to the phased 2026 and 2027 rollout, who is affected and how to prepare.
Digital Waste Transfer Notes: Complete UK Guide
What digital WTNs contain, who needs to prepare and how to choose suitable software.
Waste Transfer Note Software: A Guide for UK Waste Collectors
How to choose the right waste transfer note software and what to look for before the mandate.
Just a small operation?
Just a small operation? You don't need a fleet platform to go digital. PaperRoute Lite creates Waste Transfer Notes and hazardous consignment notes on your phone, for £9.99 + VAT/month.