Digital waste tracking timeline: every date, by nation
Every date in the move to digital waste tracking, and the related change to carrier registration in England, oldest first. Each is marked by how firm it is, and links to the official source.
- In force the law applies now
- In law, not yet in force regulations made, with a start date
- Announced an official date, no regulations found
- Planned an official target that may change
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In force Scotland
SEPA starts regulating waste carriers, brokers and dealers under the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018, with new registration types replacing upper and lower tier. Waste activities (SEPA). More in the guide
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In force UK
The phase 1 public beta, for waste receivers only, starts, as DAERA reports it. Digital Waste Tracking (DAERA). More in the guide
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In law, not yet in force England
Regulations replacing waste carrier, broker and dealer registration with environmental permits are made (SI 2026/873). Most of them come into force 12 months later. SI 2026/873 (legislation.gov.uk). More in the guide
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Planned UK
Phase 2 private beta: an invited group of waste carriers, brokers and dealers starts using the service. Developing the digital waste tracking service (Defra). More in the guide
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In force England and Wales
Reporting every load received becomes mandatory for permitted and licensed waste receiving sites in England and Wales, within 2 working days of each load. The Digital Waste Tracking (England) Regulations 2026. More in the guide
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In law, not yet in force Scotland
Reporting becomes mandatory for permitted waste receiving sites in Scotland. The Digital Waste Tracking (Scotland) Regulations 2026. More in the guide
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Announced Northern Ireland
Reporting becomes mandatory for waste receivers in Northern Ireland. DAERA gives the month, not a day, and no Northern Ireland regulations had been published when we checked. Digital Waste Tracking (DAERA). More in the guide
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Announced UK
The first annual charge for the service, £26 for each organisation, is due. Report receipt of waste (GOV.UK). More in the guide
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Planned UK
Phase 2 public beta: the service opens to all waste carriers, brokers and dealers. Developing the digital waste tracking service (Defra). More in the guide
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In law, not yet in force England
Waste carriers, brokers and dealers start moving from registration to environmental permits. Existing upper-tier carriers apply for a permit when their registration is due for renewal. Reforming the waste carrier, broker and dealer system (Defra). More in the guide
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Planned UK
Digital waste tracking becomes mandatory for waste carriers, brokers and dealers. SEPA expects Scotland's phase 2 regulations then, and DAERA plans the same date for Northern Ireland. Defra's temporary spreadsheet route is expected to last until at least this date. Developing the digital waste tracking service (Defra). More in the guide
We update this page when Defra or a regulator announces a change. Dates are as the official sources gave them on the date above; always check the source before relying on one.