UK mandatory digital waste tracking

On 25 April 2022, the UK Government published a policy paper, announcing their intention to introduce mandatory digital waste tracking across the UK, as previously committed to in their resources and waste strategy for England. It is believed that the digital tracking will provide information about where and how waste is created, who is handling it, what is done to it, and where it ends up, and will:

• provide a comprehensive way to see what is happening to the waste produced in the UK
• help support more effective regulation of waste
• help businesses comply with their duty of care with regards to waste
• help the towards a more circular economy by enabling us to maximise the value extracted from resources
• reduce the ability for waste criminals to operate and undercut legitimate businesses through their systemic mishandling of waste, illegal exports, and flytipping 

The UK Government is working towards a target date of 2023 to 2024 in launching the digital waste tracking service, though exact timings will depend on progress with IT development and the transition needs of businesses. 

The policy paper sets out:

• vision and mission
• benefits of change
• working in partnership
• developing the new system
• delivery timeline
• impact on existing systems
• government strategy and commitment
• supporting legislation
• progress updates 

Source: UK Government, 25 April 2022