Environment Agency trials waste tracking system

The system will track waste

The Environment Agency has begun a pilot project that allows business and industry to electronically track the collection, transfer and final destination of their waste to help clamp down on illegal fly-tipping.

The three-month Electronic Duty of Care trial is being run by six waste companies in South-East England, using mobile computer technology and a web-based tracking system to create and maintain electronic waste transfer notes (WTNs).

The Environment Agency project manager, Paul Keay, said moving from paper to electronic WTNs should improve the quality of data collected, ensure waste producers can easily track their waste and help waste carriers better fulfil their duty of care obligations.

“Most waste carriers still complete and store paper waste transfer notes, but the Electronic Duty of Care trial will enable WTNs to be created and maintained electronically using web-hosted software and mobile computer handsets," he said.

“With commercial, industrial and construction waste data collected electronically – including tonnage, type of waste, place of origin and destination – business and industry will be able to ensure their waste is being recycled and disposed of legally – reducing the risk of fly tipping and providing increased protection for the environment."

The system will also provide the Environment Agency with data that helps identify new recycling opportunities.

Two large, two medium and two small waste companies are involved in the Electronic Duty of Care trial, with between five and 20 waste vehicles at each company aiming to electronically capture up to 100 WTNs every week.

The Electronic Duty of Care project will also help to deliver business benefits to waste companies by removing the need to store paper WTNs, speeding up invoicing and capturing electronic signatures to provide proof of collection and delivery of waste.

The Environment Agency will run a second trial phase with a wider range of companies if the initial trial proves to be successful. Industry and other regulators have been invited to join an advisory board to ensure the benefits of the pilot are maximised.

The Electronic Duty of Care pilot project is funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and managed by the Environment Agency. Mobile data collection specialist Codegate was awarded the contract through a competitive tender processed.