Digital Waste Tracking: What Businesses Need to Know

From 30 September 2026, waste receiving sites are required to use the Government’s Digital Waste Tracking Service, marking the first phase of the national rollout. Waste carriers, brokers and dealers are expected to follow from October 2027, as digital waste tracking is introduced more widely across the sector.

The new service is designed to create a clearer, more consistent record of where waste comes from, where it goes and how it is managed.

For businesses, this should mean better access to waste information, clearer evidence of responsible waste management and, over time, less reliance on paperwork and manual reporting.

What is the Digital Waste Tracking Service?

The Digital Waste Tracking Service is a new system for recording information about waste movements.

It is intended to improve the quality and consistency of waste data by creating a clearer digital record as waste moves from the organisation that produces it through to collection, treatment, recycling or disposal.

The service will help provide greater transparency across the waste industry and make it easier for regulators and organisations to understand how waste is being managed.

When does digital waste tracking become mandatory?

The system is being introduced in phases.

• From 30 September 2026: waste receiving sites are mandated to use the Digital Waste Tracking Service.

• From October 2027: waste carriers, brokers and dealers are expected to transition to the system.

This phased approach means the requirements will apply to different parts of the waste sector at different times.

Businesses that produce commercial waste should remain informed, keep accurate records and work with a reliable waste management provider as the system develops.

What does digital waste tracking mean for businesses?

Most businesses will not need to replace their existing waste collection arrangements simply because digital waste tracking has been introduced.

A responsible waste management provider should already collect much of the information associated with commercial waste movements, including collection details and waste documentation.As the system is rolled out, businesses may benefit from:

• Better visibility of where their waste goes

• Clearer waste and recycling records

• Improved evidence of responsible waste management

• More consistent reporting across different waste providers

• Better information to support environmental targets

• Reduced reliance on paper-based administration

• More useful data about waste and recycling performance

The practical requirements for individual businesses may depend on the type of waste they produce, how it is collected and the organisations involved in handling it.

Why is digital waste tracking being introduced?

Digital waste tracking is intended to modernise how waste information is recorded and shared.

Its main objectives include:

Improving transparency

A more consistent digital record will make it easier to understand where waste has come from, who has handled it and where it has been taken.

Reducing paperwork

Moving towards digital reporting should reduce reliance on paper records and make information easier to access.

Tackling waste crime

Better visibility of waste movements can help regulators identify suspicious activity, illegal disposal and potential waste crime.

Helping to prevent fly-tipping

Clearer records should make it more difficult for waste to disappear from the legitimate waste management system.

Supporting responsible waste management

Businesses will have clearer evidence that their waste has been transferred to an appropriate provider and managed correctly.

Supporting a circular economy

Improved data can help organisations understand what they throw away, identify recyclable materials and make better decisions about resource use.

Is digital waste tracking the same as a waste transfer note?

Digital waste tracking and waste transfer notes are closely related, but they should not automatically be treated as the same thing.

Waste transfer notes are used to document the transfer of non-hazardous waste from one party to another. Digital waste tracking is intended to create a broader and more consistent digital record of waste movements across the waste chain.

As implementation continues, businesses should retain the compliance documentation provided by their waste management company and follow any updated guidance relevant to their activities.

Do businesses still need to keep waste records?

Businesses should continue to keep the waste documentation and collection records currently required for their activities.

The introduction of digital waste tracking does not mean organisations should immediately stop using or retaining their existing records. Businesses should continue following their established compliance processes unless they receive confirmed guidance that those requirements have changed.Working with a reputable waste provider can help ensure that appropriate collection and transfer information remains available.

How is ODS preparing for digital waste tracking?

At ODS, customers already have access to important waste management information, including:

• Waste transfer notes

• Collection records

• Customer reporting through the ODS customer portal

As the industry transitions to digital waste tracking, we are continuing to monitor developments and work closely with our systems and operational teams to prepare for future requirements.

Our focus remains simple:

• Reliable waste and recycling collections

• Clear compliance documentation

• Straightforward reporting

• Practical help when requirements change

• Responsive support from a local provider

We believe digital waste tracking should make compliance clearer and easier, not more complicated.

ODS already offers commercial waste services for organisations across Oxford and surrounding areas, including collections for general waste, mixed recycling and food waste. A range of containers and collection options is available to suit businesses of different sizes. Click here for more info.

How can businesses prepare for digital waste tracking?

Most businesses do not need to take immediate action. Continue keeping appropriate waste records, work with a trusted waste management provider and stay informed as the phased rollout progresses.

If you're unsure about your current arrangements, ODS can help review your waste and recycling services to ensure they remain compliant, cost-effective and fit for purpose.

Supporting Oxfordshire businesses

ODS supports businesses and organisations across Oxfordshire with practical commercial waste and recycling services.

We work with a wide range of sectors, including:

• Schools, colleges and education settings

• Hotels, restaurants, cafés and leisure venues

• Construction and development businesses

• Landlords, managing agents and block managers

• Offices and professional services

• Retailers and independent businesses

• Small and medium-sized enterprises

• Organisations seeking an outsourced waste partner

Whether you operate from one site or manage several premises, our team can help review your waste requirements and recommend a suitable collection service.

Make waste compliance simpler

Digital waste tracking is intended to provide better visibility and accountability across the waste sector.

For most businesses, the priority is straightforward: use a responsible waste provider, keep your documentation organised and stay informed as the phased rollout continues.

ODS can help you review your current commercial waste arrangements, understand your collection options and prepare for future changes.