August 17, 2026
From October 2026, the way waste is tracked across the UK is changing.
The new Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) system will replace much of the paper-based process that businesses have used for years, creating one central digital record of how waste is managed from the point it’s produced through to its final destination.
If you’re a demolition contractor or licensed asbestos removal contractor, you may be wondering what this means for your business. The good news is that there’s no need to panic. At Windsor Waste Management, we’ve been preparing for these changes and are ready to support our customers every step of the way.
What is Digital Waste Tracking?
Digital Waste Tracking is a new government-backed system designed to modernise waste management across the UK.
Instead of relying on paper waste transfer notes and hazardous waste consignment notes, waste movements will gradually be recorded electronically through a secure online platform.
The aim is to create a single, accurate record of waste throughout its entire journey, making it easier for everyone involved to meet their legal responsibilities.
Ultimately, the system is designed to:
– Improve compliance across the waste industry
– Reduce paperwork and administration
– Increase transparency
– Help tackle waste crime and illegal dumping
– Give regulators better visibility of waste movements
Why is it Being Introduced?
For many years, waste documentation has relied heavily on paper records, emails and manual filing. While this has worked, it can be time-consuming and prone to errors.
Digital Waste Tracking aims to simplify the process by creating one digital record that can be accessed by the organisations involved in managing that waste.
For businesses, this means less paperwork, quicker access to documentation and greater confidence that waste has been handled correctly.
When Does it Start?
The Digital Waste Tracking service is expected to become available from October 2026.
There will be a phased rollout, meaning businesses will have time to adapt before paper documentation is fully phased out. From October, the changes will only affect waste receivers, meaning changes for those using our Essex or Wales Waste Transfer Stations.
Government guidance will continue to develop as the system is introduced, and Windsor Waste Management will keep customers informed of any important updates.
How Will This Affect Windsor Waste Management Customers?
If you currently use Windsor Waste Management for your asbestos collection and disposal, many of your day-to-day processes will remain familiar.
However, there are some important changes for those tipping at our Waste Transfer Stations you’ll need to be aware of:
Waste Producers (April 2027 Onwards):
The direct statutory obligation for producers to use the Digital Waste Tracking Service (DWTS) is expected to kick in from April 2027. Until then, paper notes remain your legal proof of the duty of care framework. From April 2027, you’ll need access to the Digital Waste Tracking platform and ensure the correct information is entered for each waste movement.
Information will need to be accurate:
Digital systems rely on good-quality data.
You’ll need to make sure the following information is provided every time you tip at our waste transfer station (this should already be completed on your hazardous waste consignment note):
Unique Reference (Consignment note code)
Site Name, Site Address, Site Postcode
Receiver’s Authorisation Number (Waste Permit / Exempt Waste Operation Number) – we will stamp your consignment note upon tipping
Date & Time Received (When you tipped at our Waste Transfer Station) – We complete this on your behalf
Your Waste Carrier Registration Number
Your Carrier Organisation Name
Waste Description
Physical Form (ie. Solid)
Number of Containers Used (# of Bags or Wraps)
Means of Transport (ie. Road)
Vehicle Registration Number
EWC Code
Type of Containers Used (Bags or Wraps)
Weight Unit Measure (ie. KG)
Total Weight of Waste (We will advise upon tipping)
Is the Weight Estimated? (We will advise upon tipping)
Does the Waste Contain POPS? (We don’t accept POPS)
Is the Waste Hazardous (Yes)
Hazardous Property Code (Hazardous Code)
Component Name & Concentration Value
Disposal Recovery Code & Weight (We will complete this on your behalf)
Providing accurate information from the start will help avoid delays and ensure your waste remains fully compliant.
Your teams may need some training:
Anyone responsible for arranging waste collections or managing compliance should understand how the new system works.
This may include site managers, environmental managers, office teams and anyone completing waste documentation.
Records will become easier to find:
One of the biggest advantages is that you’ll no longer need to search through folders of paperwork.
Digital records will be stored electronically, making audits, customer enquiries and compliance checks much quicker.
Are We Ready?
At Windsor Waste Management, we’ve been preparing for Digital Waste Tracking well before its launch.
Our team is monitoring the latest guidance and reviewing our own systems to ensure we’re ready to integrate with the new platform as it becomes available.
We’ve always invested in making compliance straightforward for our customers, from providing hazardous waste documentation through our customer portal to maintaining complete traceability across every collection.
Digital Waste Tracking is simply the next step in that journey.
What Won't Change?
Although the paperwork is changing, our commitment to safe, compliant hazardous waste management remains exactly the same.
You’ll still receive the same reliable collections
You’ll still have an experienced team on hand to answer questions
You’ll still have complete visibility over your waste movements
And you’ll still have confidence that your hazardous waste is being transported and disposed of safely and legally.
How Windsor Waste Management Can Help
Preparing for Digital Waste Tracking doesn’t have to be complicated.
Whether you have questions about hazardous waste consignment processes, asbestos collections or how the new system will fit into your existing procedures, we’re here to help.
As more information becomes available, we’ll continue to share practical guidance, explain what the changes mean in plain English and help our customers adapt with minimal disruption.
Talk to us about Digital Waste Tracking
October 2026 will mark one of the biggest changes to waste compliance in recent years, but with the right support, it’s a positive step forward.
If you’re unsure how Digital Waste Tracking will affect your organisation, speak to the Windsor Waste Management team today.
We’ll help you understand what’s changing, what you need to do and how to ensure your business is ready from day one.
About Windsor Waste Management
With over 25 years of experience, we’re one of the UK’s leading asbestos and hazardous waste disposal specialists. Our service is built on:
- National coverage with local expertise
- Range of skip sizes and services for every project
- Fast delivery and collections to keep sites moving
- Full compliance support and paperwork management
When you choose Windsor Waste Management, you get a trusted partner who makes asbestos disposal simple, safe, and compliant.