DWTS Compliance for UK Waste Sites

What is the Digital Waste Tracking Service?

The Digital Waste Tracking Service (DWTS) is a government-mandated digital platform developed by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) to replace the current paper-based Waste Transfer Note (WTN) system. Under Section 58 of the Environment Act 2021, all waste movements in the UK will be required to be recorded digitally, creating a centralised, transparent record of waste from its point of production to its final destination.

The DWTS is part of the UK government's broader Resources and Waste Strategy, which aims to tackle waste crime, improve recycling rates, and create a more circular economy. By digitising the waste tracking process, the government expects to reduce illegal waste activity — estimated to cost the UK economy over £900 million annually — and improve the quality and availability of waste data.

Who is affected?

The legislation applies to all organisations involved in the waste chain, including:

• Waste producers — businesses that generate waste (construction, manufacturing, healthcare, retail, etc.)
• Waste carriers — companies that transport waste between sites
• Waste brokers and dealers — intermediaries who arrange waste transfers
• Permitted waste receiving sites — transfer stations, recycling facilities, landfill sites, and treatment plants

If your site holds an environmental permit and receives waste, you are directly affected. LoadLog is specifically designed for permitted waste receiving sites to manage incoming loads digitally and ensure full compliance with DWTS requirements.

Legislative Timeline

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with DWTS requirements can result in significant consequences:

• Fixed penalty notices — On-the-spot fines for non-compliant waste transfers
• Prosecution — Serious or repeated offences may lead to criminal prosecution under the Environmental Permitting Regulations
• Permit suspension or revocation — The Environment Agency can suspend or revoke your environmental permit, effectively shutting down your site
• Reputational damage — Non-compliance can affect your ability to win contracts and maintain industry certifications
• Unlimited fines — Crown Court prosecutions can result in unlimited financial penalties

How LoadLog Helps You Comply

LoadLog is purpose-built for DWTS compliance. Our platform handles the complexity so you can focus on your operations:

• Direct DEFRA API integration — Submit WTNs directly to the government's digital service with one tap
• Built-in field validation — Forms match DEFRA's required data schema, preventing submission errors
• Real-time status tracking — Know exactly when each WTN has been accepted by DEFRA
• Complete audit trail — Every action, edit and submission is logged with timestamps for EA inspections
• Digital signatures — Legally compliant e-signatures captured on-site, eliminating paper entirely
• Automated record keeping — PDF copies of all WTNs stored securely for the required retention period