Sustainable waste management news site, letsrecycle.com, have reported that the government's mandatory Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) policy, initially set to come into effect in April 2025, is likely to be delayed.
This policy, established by the previous Conservative government, aims to create a comprehensive system for tracking waste online across the UK. However, most waste policies are expected to be paused pending the outcome of the Dan Corry review and the direction of the Circular Economy Taskforce, with exceptions for Simpler Recycling and Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (pEPR).
Defra announced in October 2024 that it would conduct an internal regulatory review led by economist Dan Corry to assess the current regulatory landscape and develop recommendations to ensure policies drive economic growth while protecting the environment. The review will focus on:
No timeline for the review has been announced yet.
This review is part of Defra's broader efforts to contribute to the country's economic growth and develop a circular economy by:
The Circular Economy Taskforce, launched in December, will co-design the first strategy to transition to a circular economy in England. Local authorities have indicated that there have been no signs of technology trials or similar activities leading up to the April deadline, making the implementation of the DWT policy unlikely.
Defra stated that ministers across the four nations are reviewing the waste tracking policy and will provide an update soon to offer clarity and reassurance for stakeholders.
The DWT policy was announced as part of the 2018 Resources and Waste Strategy to provide a comprehensive way to monitor waste produced in the UK. A consultation was conducted in 2022, and a contract with an IT supplier was confirmed in 2023, but there have been no further updates since the Labour government took power. Transitioning to mandatory DWT could cost organisations over £100,000, but councils could save up to £40,000 in the first year through reduced data storage costs, less time spent checking data quality, and not having to complete or submit waste returns.
In August 2024, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) reported that only 20% of the policies outlined in the 2018 Resources and Waste Strategy had been implemented in the five years since its launch, including the DWT policy, which was originally scheduled for 2019 and then delayed.
The delay in implementing the DWT policy underscores the importance of aligning waste management reforms with broader regulatory and economic objectives.
