Digital Waste Tracking software — what changes, and how to be ready
From 1 October 2026, paper waste records stop being enough. Every waste receipt across England and Wales will need an EWC code, a weighed tonnage, and a digital submission to DEFRA's Receipt of Waste API — through the Digital Waste Tracking Service (DWTS) — using Defra-confirmed software. Here's what that means for your operation — and the fastest route to ready.
The mandatory duty starts with waste receivers, not every operator — see our DWTS compliance guide for receivers and operators for the distinction.
Key facts
The mandate
Digital Waste Tracking replaces paper-based waste records with mandatory digital reporting to DEFRA's Receipt of Waste service.
The dates
Mandatory in England and Wales from 1 October 2026, and in Scotland and Northern Ireland from January 2027.
What's required
Every waste receipt needs an EWC code, a weighed tonnage, and a submission to DEFRA's Receipt of Waste API via compatible software.
Approved provider
Axithorn, the company behind AxiWaste, is listed on Defra's official "choose a software provider" page.
What Digital Waste Tracking actually requires
The Digital Waste Tracking mandate is the biggest change to UK waste record-keeping in a generation. In practice, three things become non-negotiable for every load received at a permitted site:
1 · Classified waste
Each waste stream on a receipt must carry the correct EWC (European Waste Catalogue) code. "General waste, probably 20 03 01" scribbled on a paper note won't survive — codes need to be assigned consistently, per line, from a controlled catalogue.
2 · Weighed tonnage
Receipts need a real weight — from a weighbridge ticket, or a defensible estimate where weighing isn't possible. If your weights currently live on paper tickets that get typed up later (or don't), that gap becomes visible.
3 · Digital submission
The record has to reach DEFRA's Receipt of Waste API through compatible software. Spreadsheets and filing cabinets don't connect to an API — this is the step that forces the change from paper to platform.
Defra has confirmed the software providers that meet the digital waste tracking requirements on its official "Report receipt of waste: choose a software provider" page. Axithorn, the company behind AxiWaste, is on that list.
One collection in, one compliant record out
AxiWaste doesn't bolt reporting onto your operation — it makes the compliant record a by-product of doing the job.
Lift confirmed → weight captured
The driver confirms the collection in the app; weight comes from a weighbridge ticket photo, a container-size default, or a manual entry — no re-keying at the office.
EWC assigned automatically
The correct code is applied per waste stream from your own catalogue, with hazardous streams flagged for consignment-note treatment.
WTN generated & signed
A digital Waste Transfer Note renders with carrier and disposal-site details attached, signed electronically by driver and site.
Queued to DEFRA — with retry
EWC lines and weighed tonnage are submitted to the Receipt of Waste API automatically, with retries if the service is briefly unavailable. No submission backlog, no month-end panic.
Digital Waste Tracking questions, answered
What is Digital Waste Tracking?
The UK government programme replacing paper waste records with mandatory digital reporting. Waste receipts must be reported to DEFRA's Receipt of Waste service, including the EWC code and weighed tonnage for each load.
When does it become mandatory?
England and Wales: 1 October 2026. Scotland and Northern Ireland: January 2027.
Who does it affect?
Permitted and licensed waste sites receiving waste — and by extension the carriers, brokers and collection operators whose loads they receive. If your movements end at a permitted site, the records need to be digital.
Do I need approved software?
Reporting must go through software compatible with DEFRA's Receipt of Waste API. Defra publishes the list of providers it has confirmed meet the requirements — Axithorn, the company behind AxiWaste, is on it.
What happens if I'm not ready?
Non-compliant record-keeping after the deadline is an enforcement risk with the Environment Agency, and a commercial one — sites and contracts will increasingly expect digital-ready partners.
How long does it take to get set up?
That depends on fleet size and how your schedules and waste catalogue exist today. Take the 2-minute readiness check or book a walkthrough and we'll give you an honest answer for your operation.
Get compliant before October 2026 — not after the enforcement letter
Bring your fleet, your customers and your paperwork — we'll show you what the other side of the deadline looks like.