Report receipt of waste
From October 2026 (January 2027 in Scotland), all organisations that are licensed or permitted to receive waste must use the new report receipt of waste service.
Who can use the service
You can use this service if you are:
- an organisation that operates at least one licensed or permitted site that receives waste
- a consultant or representative of an organisation that receives waste
Local authorities are currently unable to use this service. Do not register if you work for or represent a local authority.
How to access the service
The first time you use the service, you’ll be asked to create a Defra account.
To create a Defra account you’ll need to either:
- log in to your organisation’s Government Gateway or GOV.UK One Login account
- create a Government Gateway or GOV.UK One Login account, if your organisation does not have one
You can do this within the service.
You must not use a personal Government Gateway account for this service – always use your organisation’s account.
After you’ve created your Defra account, you’ll use your organisation’s Government Gateway or GOV.UK One Login account each time you log into the service.
Sending your data
There are 2 ways you can report your receipt of waste:
- Using an application programming interface (API).
- Completing and uploading a spreadsheet.
You do not have to choose one method – you can submit your data using a combination of the API and spreadsheet.
Using an application programming interface (API)
An API allows different software systems to connect to each other so they can securely exchange data.
Connect your waste software to the API
If you want to use the API, your organisation must have waste specific software. Your software provider will need to connect it to Defra’s Receipt of Waste API.
There is more information about using and connecting the API in the software developer guidance.
Receiving your API code
Once you have registered your organisation, you will be given a unique API code. Give this code to your software provider who will apply it to your waste movements.
You can use the same API code to send waste movements for every site your organisation operates.
If you have more than one organisation on your Defra account, you will receive a unique API code for each one.
Spreadsheet
If you do not have the software needed to use the API, you can send your data using Defra’s Receipt of Waste spreadsheet.
You cannot use your own spreadsheet or make format changes to Defra’s version.
You will need to:
- Download the spreadsheet template.
- Complete the mandatory data fields.
- Upload the completed spreadsheet.
You can add multiple movements to the same spreadsheet – you do not need to download a new spreadsheet for every receipt of waste.
If your organisation operates more than one site, you can also add those movements to the same spreadsheet.
You cannot use the same spreadsheet for multiple organisations. You will need to download a separate spreadsheet for each one.
Timeline for reporting
You must report every receipt of waste. You have 2 working days from the day after receiving the waste to submit your report.
For example, if you receive the waste at 9am on Monday, you must submit your receipt by 11:59pm on Wednesday.
What data to submit
For more information on the data you must submit, check the list of data requirements.
Adding organisations to your account
If you operate more than one organisation that receives waste (for example a subsidiary business or partnership), you can add them to the same Defra account.
You will need to register each organisation separately before adding them to your account. The annual service charge will apply to each organisation you add.
How much it will cost
The annual service charge is not due until October 2026. It will cost £26 per year for each organisation on your account.
The fee applies to the number of organisations. It does not apply to the number of waste-receiving sites that organisation has.
Get help
Contact the support team if you have any questions about the service or if you are having problems using it.
Telephone: 03000 203 781
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm (except public holidays)
Find out about call charges
Contact a regulator
If you have a question about waste regulation, contact your regulator.
England
EA (Environment Agency) business waste and environmental impact
Northern Ireland
DAERA (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs) waste policy tracker
Scotland
SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) waste information