According to updated preliminary timelines published by Defra on Digital Waste Tracking, Mandatory Rollout will now happen in October 2027, instead of the previously stated April 2027. Originally scheduled for April 2025, the legislation has now been delayed by more than two years.
David Gudgeon, Head of External Affairs at Reconomy Connect, a brand by Reconomy, said, “We expect the industry will welcome this additional delay. Digital Waste Tracking represents the single most significant and comprehensive digital transformation the entire waste management ecosystem has ever faced, so it is imperative that the rollout is done properly. Phase One of the legislation will affect 12,000 waste site operators with testing well underway. Phase Two will impact the 300,000 registered waste carriers, brokers and dealers operating across the four UK nations. The vast majority of these businesses are SMEs, so a further delay will give them additional time to prepare the essential work required for a fully digitally complaint system.
“If implemented effectively, the impact will be transformative. By digitally tracking every waste movement from producer to disposal it will usher in a new era of efficiency in circularity and waste management, helping tackle soaring waste crime across the UK while simplifying compliance for businesses. “Importantly, it represents a crucial step towards advancing the circular economy. With accurate, real-time data on waste flows, businesses can better identify inefficiencies, optimise recycling processes and ensure that valuable, finite resources are recovered and circulated back into use.”
