The waste tracking mandate - is it the right thing?

Waste tracking is not set to become mandatory until October 2026, and initially it will only apply to waste receiving sites and household waste recycling centres. At that point, centres will be required to digitally record the movement of waste throughout the supply chain. Having already been pushed back twice, is there a possibility that implementation could be postponed again?

In theory, this sounds like a major step towards stopping illegal dumping, but in practice, the measure risks focusing too narrowly on the facilities where waste is processed, rather than on the source of the waste itself.

While the requirement for tracking at waste facilities is a step forward, it falls short of addressing the root issue - origin transparency, boosted re-use and a commitment to updated tech.

The government is looking at extending this in 2027, but that relies on the 2026 roll-out working, which is unlikely given that the programme is already a year behind. Illegal dumping thrives because we don’t know where waste is coming from, and until producers are required to digitally track what they generate, we’re only seeing part of the picture. True circularity starts at the source, and without it, mandated tracking at waste facilities can only do so much.

Infrastructure barriers and pressure points

One of the most significant hurdles to comprehensive digital tracking is digital infrastructure. Large waste producers have access to services and digital systems to be able to adopt tracking solutions but prioritise business critical tasks.

As a result, many continue to rely on outdated, manual processes such as paper records, unautomated spreadsheets or informal documentation practices - with lots of waste management responsibilities falling to procurement or facility management.

A lack of education and process ultimately risks human error and miscompliance, as changing regulations do not offer insight into how operators can integrate tracking without expense.

Creating a transparent and accessible waste tracking process means removing barriers for SMEs and building a system that works for everyone. Cost is a critical issue here, as building software from the ground up to enhance tracking abilities is not a simple task.

The limits of current legislation

The incoming waste tracking mandate risks falling short of its core objective. Many responsible waste management firms already operate detailed tracking systems, meaning the new rules could place extra administrative and financial pressure on the very businesses already working compliantly.

Meanwhile, those engaged in illegal practices may see little disruption to their operations. Without full end-to-end tracking from the point of origin, waste can still be diverted, dumped or deliberately mislabelled before it ever reaches a regulated facility. This leaves significant gaps in oversight and allows waste crime to continue largely undetected.

To be truly effective, legislation should require digital tracking from the moment materials are produced, through their entire lifecycle, to their final disposal or re-use. This would create complete visibility, close loopholes and encourage greater recovery and reuse of valuable materials before they enter the waste stream. Such an approach would not only make illegal dumping far harder but would also support a more circular, resource-efficient economy.

Looking ahead and bolstering education

As the UK prepares to roll out mandatory digital waste tracking, there is an opportunity to go further by investing in education programmes that promote alternative reuse pathways for materials. Raising awareness among businesses and the public about the value of reuse, repair and recycling can reduce the amount of material entering the waste stream in the first place.

Targeting the root causes of illegal dumping means addressing both the economic incentives for waste crime and the lack of knowledge about lawful, cost-effective alternatives. Education should focus on helping businesses identify opportunities to repurpose materials internally and adopt resource-efficient processes.
The industry needs legislation that supports full end-to-end tracking from the point of production, this approach will allow for better decision making and initiatives to stop materials from ending up in waste facilities in the first place.

Legislation must target waste producers and enforce an obligation to disclose what is being produced. To make waste tracking effective, we’d like to see more responsibility at the start of the chain ensuring that businesses not only report on volumes and types of waste but also demonstrate how they plan to reduce, reuse, or recycle materials.

By embedding accountability upstream, the system will work to discourage the creation of unnecessary waste in the first place and use data to understand where materials can be reused or recycled better than they are today.

Nobody knows how they can be saving time, money or reducing environmental impact.

Alex Trenbath is a Director at Envirovue, a tech-specialist firm working across the waste sector to reduce inefficiencies and drive sustainability. To find out more about Envirovue and its services, please visit: www.envirovue.io