Is your business ready for DEFRA Digital Waste Tracking?
From October 2026, paper Waste Transfer Notes are replaced by DEFRA’s mandatory Digital Waste Tracking Service. Answer 10 quick questions to see where your IT disposal process stands, and exactly what to fix before the deadline.
The 2-minute readiness check
Built for UK organisations that dispose of IT equipment. One question at a time. Your answers stay in your browser. Nothing is sent or stored.
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DEFRA Digital Waste Tracking: common questions
When does DEFRA Digital Waste Tracking become mandatory?+
Phase 1 is mandatory for permitted or licensed waste receiving sites from October 2026 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with Scotland following in early 2027. Carriers, brokers and dealers follow in Phase 2 from October 2027.
Does Digital Waste Tracking replace WEEE?+
No. The Digital Waste Tracking Service runs in parallel with WEEE. Both sets of records are still required for every IT disposal event.
Do businesses that dispose of IT equipment have to register?+
Waste producers have no direct registration mandate in Phase 1, but their duty of care means they must use a DWTS-ready disposal partner or share liability for non-compliance.
What does the Digital Waste Tracking Service replace?+
It replaces paper Waste Transfer Notes and Hazardous Waste Consignment Notes with a single central digital record, under Section 58 of the Environment Act 2021.
Note: Phase 1 of DEFRA’s Digital Waste Tracking Service is mandatory for permitted or licensed waste receiving sites from October 2026 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland; Scotland follows in early 2027). Carriers, brokers and dealers follow in Phase 2 from October 2027. If you are a waste producer (most IT asset holders), you have no direct registration mandate, but your duty of care means you must use DWTS-ready disposal partners or share liability for non-compliance. DWTS runs in parallel with WEEE; both records are still required. This tool gives general guidance based on the GOV.UK Digital Waste Tracking policy paper and Section 58 of the Environment Act 2021. It is not legal advice; confirm the latest position at gov.uk.