What Information Do I Need for Digital Waste Tracking (DWT)?
Mandatory from October 2026 in England & Wales. This guide covers every field Defra requires when waste arrives at your site — and exactly what to put when the "normal" answer is missing.
Download PDF VersionThink of it in three buckets
Every waste receipt is really three things bundled together. Keep these in mind and the whole form makes more sense.
The Movement
When it arrived, who brought it, who received it, how it got there.
The Waste
What the waste actually is — EWC code, description, containers, weight.
The People
The carrier, the receiving site, and optionally a broker or dealer.
Always required — no exceptions
Conditional fields — the tricky part
These fields only become required in specific situations — and there's always a fallback if you don't have the normal answer.
No hazardous waste consignment code?
Required if any EWC code on the movement is hazardous. If you don't have one, enter a reason instead — never both.
NON_HAZ_WASTE_TRANSFERThe waste transfer isn't actually hazardousNO_DOC_WITH_WASTEHazardous waste, but no paperwork came with itHWRC_RECEIPTReceived at a Household Waste Recycling CentreIf you do have a code, format for England & Wales: AB12CD/12345 (6 chars / slash / 5 chars).
Waste is hazardous — component breakdown
Also provide HP codes (e.g. HP_3, HP_14) and a source for the component data:
NOT_PROVIDEDYou don't have component detail — components list can be emptyPROVIDED_WITH_WASTECame with the paperwork — warning only if no components listedGUIDANCEBased on published guidance — error if no components listedOWN_TESTINGYou tested it — error if no components listedIf you choose GUIDANCE or OWN_TESTING, you must list at least one component (name + concentration in mg/kg) or Defra will reject the submission.
Waste contains POPs (persistent organic pollutants)?
Exactly the same pattern as hazardous components — same four source codes, same rules apply.
NOT_PROVIDEDFine — list can be emptyPROVIDED_WITH_WASTEWarning only if no components listedGUIDANCEError if no components listedOWN_TESTINGError if no components listedNo carrier registration number?
Normally required. Use a reason code instead — never both, never neither.
ONSITEWaste moved within the same site or premisesHOUSEHOLDA householder transporting their own wasteONE_OFFA genuine one-off / infrequent transport jobMARINEMarine transport under a licence or exemptionEngland/Wales format: CBDL999999 (Lower Tier) or CBDU999999 (Upper Tier).
Vehicle registration
Only required when means of transport is Road. Rail, sea, air etc. — leave it blank.
Standardised codes — enter exactly as shown
Means of transport
RoadRailAirSeaInland WaterwayPipedOtherPhysical form of waste
GasLiquidSolidPowderSludgeMixedContainer type codes
LOOLoose (no container)SKISkipDRUDrum (typically 205L)IBCIntermediate Bulk Container (1000L)BAGBag / SackRORRoll-on Roll-off (RoRo)PALPalletWBIWheelie BinBOXBox / CrateTANTanker / TankFIBFibre drumCANCan / JerrycanCARCarrier / CageBALBaleCASCaskCONContainer (unspecified)Quick "what do I put if it's missing?" cheat sheet
Common questions
Want this as a printable reference?
Download the PDF version to keep at your weighbridge or share with your team.