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Digital waste tracking: the new Defra rules, and how we meet them
Since 1 October 2026, permitted waste sites must report every load they receive to Defra's digital service. Here is what changed and what it means for you.
On 1 October 2026 the way waste is recorded in England changed. Every permitted site that receives waste must now report each load to the government's digital waste tracking service, run by Defra. Taurus Waste Recycling and Zebra Waste Disposal Services are compliant: loads received at our recycling facilities in Farnborough, Aldershot and Fareham are reported to the service.
What changed on 1 October 2026
Until now, the record of where waste went lived mostly on paper: waste transfer notes and consignment notes kept by each business. Under the Digital Waste Tracking (England) Regulations 2026, licensed and permitted sites that receive controlled waste must instead send a digital record of every load to a single national service.
- Who it applies to first: permitted and licensed sites that receive waste, such as our materials recycling facilities.
- The deadline: each record must be submitted within two working days of the waste arriving.
- What is recorded: who carried the waste and who received it, what the waste is (its classification code), how it will be recovered or disposed of, and extra details for hazardous waste.
Why it was brought in
The aim is to see where waste actually ends up. With one digital record for each load, the regulators can spot waste that goes missing and act against fly-tipping and illegal waste sites, which undercut businesses that handle waste properly.
How we comply
Each load is weighed and recorded when it arrives at our sites, and its details are reported to Defra's service within the two working day deadline. That covers skips we bring back ourselves as well as waste tipped by other carriers.
It sits alongside what we already do: we are a registered waste carrier (CBDU94161), each site holds an Environment Agency permit, and you can download our registration and permits.
What it means if you hire a skip
Nothing changes for you. We collect the skip, bring it back to our own facility and make the report ourselves. Using a company that reports properly is the simplest way to know your waste has been handled legally.
What it means if you tip with us
Because every load is now reported with the carrier's details and an accurate description of the waste, please have these ready when you arrive:
- Your waste carrier registration
- An accurate description of the waste, and where it came from
- The consignment note, if the load is hazardous
See our trade tipping page for opening hours and what we accept.
What happens next
Receiving sites are the first stage. Defra has said that waste carriers, brokers and dealers will be brought into the service next, with mandatory use planned for October 2027. If you carry waste as part of your business, it is worth following Defra's guidance on GOV.UK as that date approaches.
Your responsibilities as a business that produces waste have not gone away either: see our guide to your duty of care for business waste.
Questions about how we handle and report your waste? Call 01252 342365 (Farnborough) or 01329 288517 (Fareham).