Digital Consignment Notes (HWCN) Software

What is a Digital Consignment Note?

A Digital Consignment Note (also called a Hazardous Waste Consignment Note or HWCN) is an electronic version of the paper consignment note required by UK law for all hazardous waste movements. Under the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005, every movement of hazardous waste must be documented with a consignment note containing detailed information about the waste, its origin, transport, and destination.

From October 2026, DEFRA's Digital Waste Tracking mandate will require waste receivers to use digital systems for tracking all waste movements, including hazardous waste. DigitalWTN provides a compliant platform that handles both standard Waste Transfer Notes (WTNs) and Hazardous Waste Consignment Notes (HWCNs).

Why Digital Consignment Notes Are Critical

Hazardous waste movements carry higher compliance risk than non-hazardous waste. Paper-based consignment notes create serious problems:

❌ Missing hazardous waste codes cause immediate rejections
❌ Incorrect EWC codes or chemical descriptions create legal liability
❌ Lost paperwork means no proof of proper disposal
❌ Handwritten notes are often incomplete or illegible
❌ Environment Agency inspections require instant access to records
❌ Receivers are legally responsible even when producers make errors

Digital Consignment Notes eliminate these risks by validating hazardous waste codes at creation, storing complete records automatically, and making every movement searchable and audit-ready.

How DigitalWTN Handles Hazardous Waste

DigitalWTN provides a complete workflow for hazardous waste consignment notes:

1. Producers Create Digital HWCNs

Waste producers use a guided interface to create Hazardous Waste Consignment Notes. The system automatically validates EWC codes, checks hazardous properties, ensures chemical descriptions match waste codes, and verifies all required fields are complete.

2. Carriers Document the Movement

Carriers access the digital consignment note via mobile link. They add signatures, upload weighbridge tickets, record collection and delivery times, attach vehicle photos, and confirm waste carrier licence details. All proof collected in transit.

3. Receivers Validate and Accept

Your intake staff see a pending arrivals queue with complete hazardous waste information. They can verify EWC codes, check permit compatibility, inspect photos, and accept or reject loads with one click. Every action is logged with timestamps and user details.

What's Included in a Digital HWCN

Every Digital Hazardous Waste Consignment Note in DigitalWTN includes:

✓ Producer details (name, address, SIC code, premises code)
✓ Carrier details (name, registration, waste carrier licence, vehicle details)
✓ Receiver details (permit number, site address, facility code)
✓ EWC code (auto-validated against official list)
✓ Hazardous properties (H-codes)
✓ Chemical composition and process of origin
✓ Quantity, container type, and packaging details
✓ Digital signatures from all parties
✓ Collection and delivery timestamps
✓ Photos, weighbridge tickets, and supporting documentation
✓ Complete audit trail with all changes logged

Hazardous Waste Code Validation

One of the most common causes of consignment note rejection is incorrect or missing EWC codes. DigitalWTN prevents this by:

✓ Validating EWC codes against the official European Waste Catalogue
✓ Checking that hazardous properties (H-codes) match the selected EWC code
✓ Ensuring chemical descriptions align with waste codes
✓ Flagging mirror entries and requiring proper classification
✓ Preventing submission until all validation checks pass

DEFRA Digital Waste Tracking for Hazardous Waste

DigitalWTN is built to comply with DEFRA's Digital Waste Tracking mandate for hazardous waste movements. The regulations require:

✓ Digital recording of all hazardous waste movements
✓ Validation of EWC codes and hazardous properties
✓ Secure storage of consignment notes for required duration (3 years minimum, or lifetime for disposal sites)
✓ Ability to produce records instantly for Environment Agency inspections
✓ Receivers must validate movements on arrival (from October 2026)

Our platform handles all of these requirements automatically, giving you a complete digital consignment note system that's inspection-ready from day one.

Who Needs Digital Consignment Notes?

Digital HWCN software is essential for:

Hazardous Waste Treatment Facilities — Sites with permits to accept and process hazardous waste
Hazardous Waste Carriers — Specialist haulage companies licensed to transport hazardous materials
Industrial Producers — Manufacturers, chemical plants, and facilities generating hazardous waste
Waste Brokers — Companies arranging hazardous waste movements on behalf of clients
Transfer Stations — Sites that handle both hazardous and non-hazardous waste

Electronic Consignment Notes vs Paper

Electronic consignment notes offer significant advantages over paper:

✓ Digital Consignment Notes

Instant validation of EWC codes
Automatic storage and backup
Searchable by any field
Instant access during inspections
Complete audit trail
Photos and proof attached

❌ Paper Consignment Notes

Manual code lookup required
Risk of loss or damage
Filing cabinet searches
Delays during inspections
No change tracking
Separate photo storage

Get Started with Digital Consignment Notes

Join our early access list to be among the first hazardous waste sites using DigitalWTN. Lock in lifetime pricing and help shape the platform.

Join the Build List

Frequently Asked Questions

Does DigitalWTN work for Scottish Consignment Notes (SEPA)?

Yes. DigitalWTN provides full support for Scottish hazardous waste movements, including the specific consignment note code formats required by SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency). The platform also handles regional variations for Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Northern Ireland (NIEA), ensuring you are compliant regardless of where your waste movement starts or ends.

What is the difference between a WTN and a Consignment Note?

A Waste Transfer Note (WTN) is used for non-hazardous waste. A Consignment Note (HWCN) is a more detailed document required by law for moving hazardous waste. HWCNs require additional information like chemical components, hazardous properties (H-codes), and UN numbers. DigitalWTN handles both types seamlessly in one dashboard.

How long must I keep Hazardous Waste Consignment Notes?

You must keep Hazardous Waste Consignment Notes for a minimum of 3 years. However, for certain facilities such as landfill sites, records must be kept for the lifetime of the permit until surrender. DigitalWTN stores your digital records indefinitely by default, ensuring you remain compliant regardless of your specific permit conditions.

Do I need a paper copy if I use digital consignment notes?

No. Electronic consignment notes are fully legally valid in the UK. The Environment Agency, SEPA, and NRW all accept digital records. By moving to digital, you eliminate the need for triple-copy NCR paper pads and physical storage.