The way waste is recorded and tracked is changing across the UK, with mandatory Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) beginning to come into effect in Scotland from 1^st January 2027.

But what does that actually mean?

Digital Waste Tracking is being introduced to create a clearer digital record of waste as it moves from where it is produced, through those collecting and managing it, to where it ultimately ends up.

The system is being introduced in stages. The first Scottish requirements, from January 2027, apply to operators of permitted facilities receiving controlled waste. These businesses will be required to digitally report the waste they receive, including information about the waste movement, carrier, receiver and waste classification. The wider system is then expected to expand to include businesses collecting or arranging the collection of waste, including waste carriers, brokers and dealers.

For businesses that fall within the requirements, this could therefore mean changes to how waste movements are recorded, what information needs to be captured and the digital systems or software used to manage those records.

And while “waste tracking” might sound like something that only affects the waste industry, it could be relevant to a number of businesses operating within the plant sector.

If your business is involved in earthworks, muckaway, tippers or grabs, crushing and screening, recycling, or receiving waste or excavated material at a yard or permitted site, DWT is something you need to be aware of.

Importantly, this does not mean every plant business will have new reporting responsibilities. Simply supplying plant, even with an operator, does not automatically make a business responsible for Digital Waste Tracking. The important questions include whether the material is legally classed as waste and what role your business has in producing, carrying, arranging, managing or receiving it.

What is SPOA doing?

The SPOA Research & Digitalisation Working Group is looking at the changes specifically from the perspective of Scotland's plant sector.

Rather than signposting members to regulatory guidance, we want to understand what DWT will mean in practice for the different types of businesses within our membership.

Over the coming months, we plan to:

• work with SEPA and relevant experts to clarify how the requirements apply to common plant and earthworks activities;
• develop straightforward guidance to help members understand whether their business is affected;
• provide practical information and support as implementation develops;
• explore the digital systems and processes businesses may need; and
• follow a small number of member businesses through the transition to understand the real impact of DWT in practice.

Would you like to be involved? 

As part of this work, we're looking for a small number of SPOA member businesses involved in earthworks/muckaway, haulage, crushing and screening, recycling or waste operations to work alongside us as the changes are introduced.

For those businesses, this will provide an opportunity to look at their current processes, understand what may need to change and prepare for DWT with support from SPOA as the requirements develop.

We'll then follow their journey through implementation, looking at what changed, what worked, what didn't, and any impact on administration, systems and costs.

The lessons learned will be shared with the wider membership, helping other SPOA businesses prepare and avoid some of the same challenges.

There are no lengthy surveys involved. We want this to be practical, useful and based on what actually happens within plant businesses.

If DWT is likely to affect your operation and you'd be interested in being part of this work, please get in touch with Vicky Park at vicky.park@spoa.org.uk.

We'll keep all members updated as the requirements develop, with further practical guidance and support to follow.

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