Published: 26 September 2025 | Last updated: 26 September 2025
Why Paperwork Still Matters in Waste
Every business that produces, carries, or manages waste in the UK has a legal duty of care. That duty is evidenced through documentation:
- Waste Transfer Notes for non-hazardous waste.
- Consignment Notes for hazardous waste, with unique codes and stricter declarations.
For small operators such as builders, landscapers, hauliers, and contractors, paperwork is still a headache. Many rely on paper pads or Excel. Notes get lost, codes are reused incorrectly, and audits become stressful. The outcome is predictable: compliance risks, potential fines, and wasted admin time. Learn more about common waste transfer note errors to avoid.
The Government's Timeline for Digital Waste Tracking
The UK government, through DEFRA, is modernising the system with the Digital Waste Tracking service. The rollout is already in motion:
What this means: From late 2026 onward, paper and stand-alone spreadsheets will not be enough. Every business in the waste chain will need a digital solution. For a detailed breakdown, see our complete DEFRA digital waste tracking timeline.
The Challenge for SMEs
Large operators can choose from enterprise platforms such as Quick Consign, Access Weighsoft, and HaulTech. These systems are powerful but often expensive, complex, and overbuilt for small operations. SMEs producing 5 to 20 notes a month do not need weighbridge modules or fleet management. They need something simple, affordable, and compliant. Our guide on how to choose the right digital waste tracking provider can help you evaluate your options.
How DigitalWTN is Different
Make Compliance Easy
Digital WTNs and consignment notes modelled on Environment Agency templates with built-in validation to reduce errors.
Keep Costs Down
A genuinely free plan for occasional users with affordable upgrades for storage, automation, and hazardous waste workflows.
Focus on What Matters
Digital signatures, instant PDFs, email sharing, and secure retention for two to three years.
Future-Proof for 2026
API-ready to connect with DEFRA's DWT service so users stay compliant by default.
Features Available Now
- Create Waste Transfer Notes digitally.
- Free plan with up to 12 WTNs per month, stored for three years.
- Instant PDF download and email sharing.
- Built-in field validation to prevent errors.
- Secure cloud storage accessible anywhere.
Coming Soon
- Hazardous waste consignment notes with a unique code builder.
- Digital signatures with audit timestamps.
- Carrier and consignee libraries for auto-fill.
- Multi-user accounts for teams.
- Direct API integration with DEFRA's DWT service.
Who We Serve
We prioritise small and mid-sized operators who are often overlooked by enterprise software:
- Builders and contractors managing construction waste.
- Landscapers and gardeners moving green waste.
- Small skip hire operators.
- Local hauliers and "man-with-a-van" services.
Our Mission for SMEs
Compliance should not be a financial burden. SMEs should not have to choose between enterprise-level fees and the risk of fines. DigitalWTN offers a free tier with real utility, a clear upgrade path for growing businesses, and DEFRA-readiness without disruption. Our mission is simple: make waste compliance accessible, affordable, and automatic for SMEs.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
From October 2026, digital waste records will be mandatory. SMEs can either scramble later or prepare now with a platform designed for them. DigitalWTN ensures that the smallest operators can comply with the same confidence as the largest waste companies.