Digital Waste Tracking will not become mandatory in April and instead be delayed for 12 months, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has announced.
In a letter to stakeholders, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced the delay until April 2026.
Defra said it has listened to feedback from industry stakeholders who expressed concerns that the original April 2025 delivery time presents “significant challenges”.
The letter to stakeholders said a delay would “ensure the new IT service is fit-for-purpose” and increase stakeholder confidence levels.
Defra said a delay would also ensure it can comprehensively test the Digital Waste Tracking service.
The UK Government, Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs NI reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the development and implementation of a Digital Waste Tracking service.
We welcome the ongoing commitment from Government to Digital Waste Tracking.
In the letter, Defra described Digital Waste Tracking as “instrumental” in the transition to a circular economy.
Defra told stakeholders it was “limited” in the assurances it could give on timings but would be able to update them on scope and timeline for delivery by May 2025.
Reacting to the announcement, Dan Cooke, Director of Policy, Communications and External Affairs at the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), said: “Sensible clarification from Defra today resetting the schedule to implement Digital Waste Tracking across the UK – now expected by April 2026.
“Digital Waste Tracking remains an important element in tackling waste crime, enabling effective regulation and delivering data transparency on material flows as we move towards a more circular economy.
“We welcome the ongoing commitment from Government to Digital Waste Tracking. CIWM and its members will continue to support its implementation, and we look forward to the detailed timeline being published in May.”
David Gudgeon, Head of External Affairs at Reconomy Connect, commented: “A UK-wide Digital Waste Tracking system remains essential for improving waste management, increasing transparency, and driving materials up the waste hierarchy.
“Accurate, real-time data will help tackle waste crime, support the circular economy, and ensure better environmental outcomes.”
