The UK’s Mandatory Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) - Impact on Construction Waste Management?

Written By denise o'kelly
UK · Construction · Waste · Compliance

Paper tracking will end, the compliance burden will shift online, and construction sector operations must adapt all processes ahead of mandatory compliance dates

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The UK’s Mandatory Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) service becomes compulsory from October 2026 for permitted/licensed waste receiving sites, with further groups (carriers, brokers, dealers, some exempt sites) expected to follow in 2027. For construction and infrastructure projects, this replaces paper notes with digital-by-default, near-real-time tracking for most waste movements across the chain.

Core requirements for construction waste

  • Scope: All construction and infrastructure waste (hazardous and non-hazardous) classed as controlled waste is in scope.
  • Start of record: Tracking begins where waste is produced—typically the construction or demolition site—though in limited cases it can start later in the chain.
  • Extractive waste: Mines and quarries are tracked when waste leaves the site.

The objective is a single, consistent digital record that follows the load from production to end fate.

What must be tracked

  • Movements between sites, to other organisations, or within locations where control changes.
  • Routine & one-off transfers: e.g., regular site clearances, skip exchanges, aggregates in/out.
  • Green List waste shipped across borders for recycling: digital records must include Annex VII data.
  • End state at the receiving site: disposal or recovery method (landfill, recycling, etc.) must be recorded.

Digital processes & real-time recording

  • Timing: Enter records in real time where possible; updates must be completed within a short window (typically within 2 working days to confirm key details).
  • Bulk uploads: Supported for larger organisations managing high volumes.
  • Unique movement IDs: A system-generated reference number is assigned to each movement for audit and regulatory tracking.

Key information to record

Data aligns with current notes but adds granularity:

  • SIC codes for the generating activity (e.g., construction, demolition).
  • Intended recovery/disposal method and receiving site details.
  • Source type (construction, demolition) and confirmation by the producer if a third party enters data.
  • POPs identification where relevant (e.g., insulation, legacy materials).
  • Waste hierarchy selection recorded for each load.

Exceptions & special situations

  • On-site waste: Not always tracked if it never leaves the production site—unless processed under a permit or as hazardous under exemption.
  • Incidental/trade waste: Waste generated as a by-product of repairs (not the primary service) is tracked when moved from collection points.
  • HWRCs: Business waste delivered to HWRCs must be recorded; householders’ self-delivered waste is tracked once it leaves those centres.

Charges & access

  • Annual service charge anticipated at around £20 for organisations that create or edit records; viewing/confirming only is not charged.
  • Construction firms and infrastructure operators will typically incur this fee due to arranging and confirming movements.
  • Data access: Aggregated data remains available for planning/analysis; detailed movement data is visible only to parties involved.

Enforcement & compliance

  • Initial phases focus on education and support; civil sanctions follow after transition.
  • Duty of Care: Producers (e.g., principal contractors) remain legally responsible for accurate classification, description and tracking—even when using carriers or brokers.

Implementation timeline

  • Autumn 2025: private beta (invited operators).
  • Spring 2026: public beta for all permitted/licensed waste receiving sites.
  • October 2026: mandatory for permitted/licensed waste receiving sites.
  • By April 2027: expected expansion to carriers, brokers, dealers and certain exemptions (subject to government decisions in late 2025).

Bottom line for contractors: treat October 2026 as a hard stop for the sites you tip at—your processes and subcontractors must be digital by then.

How Hub360 helps contractors

Hub360 maps your existing site workflows to DWT fields so your team, hauliers and receiving sites hand over clean digital records without paper or spreadsheets.

  • Time/geo-stamped pickups & drop-offs with driver/site attestations
  • Attachments (photos, signatures, weighbridge slips)
  • Unique movement IDs and export to DWT CSV/API
  • Audit-ready evidence packs for clients and regulators
Book a 20-minute demo

FAQs

When does DWT become mandatory for construction?
From October 2026 for permitted/licensed waste receiving sites. Wider operators (carriers, brokers, dealers, some exempt sites) are expected to be added during 2027.
Do we still need Annex VII for Green List exports?
Yes. Annex VII must continue to travel with Green List shipments. DWT will also require those data digitally to align records end-to-end.
Do we need telematics?
No. DWT is about consistent digital records (who/what/when/where). Time/geo-stamped entries with evidence cover the core expectation; telematics is optional.
How fast must we confirm movements?
Aim for real-time where possible. Key confirmations (e.g., collection, receipt, quantities) should be completed within about 2 working days, with allowances for poor connectivity on remote sites.

Sources

denise o'kelly
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