Question 1

Is WTN App an official DEFRA product?

Accepted Answer

No. DEFRA is building the backend API for digital waste tracking. They expect private companies to build the tools that carriers actually use. WTN App prepares records for DEFRA readiness; live submission is not enabled in this release.

Question 2

What is an EWC code?

Accepted Answer

EWC stands for European Waste Catalogue (also called List of Waste or LoW codes). Every type of waste has a 6-digit code — like 17 09 04 for mixed construction and demolition waste. You need the right code on every waste transfer note.

Question 3

Does it work without internet?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The app works fully offline. Each step of the chain is saved on your phone and syncs to your account when you're back in signal. Built for skips on rural sites with no reception.

Question 4

Do all three parties need WTN App?

Accepted Answer

No. The producer or carrier creates the chain in WTN App and the next party gets an email with a public link the moment the previous step is signed. If your receiver isn't on the app yet, sign-and-share lets the carrier hand off alone — the receiver imports the chain from that link later and confirms receipt. Everyone gets the same DEFRA-ready record either way.

Question 5

When does the DEFRA mandate start?

Accepted Answer

Waste receiving sites must use digital waste tracking from October 2026. Carriers follow from October 2027. But if you're transferring to a site that's already digital, you'll need to be ready by October 2026.

Question 6

Can I use this for hazardous waste?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hazardous EWC codes flag automatically. If a load mixes hazardous and non-hazardous lines, the chain auto-splits them into an HWCN and a WTN — both signed by all three parties, both stored under the same chain. Dangerous-goods fields are captured inline.

Question 7

How long do I need to keep waste transfer notes?

Accepted Answer

By law, waste transfer notes must be kept for a minimum of 2 years (3 years for hazardous waste consignment notes). WTN App stores everything digitally so you never lose a note.

Question 8

What if I'm not very good with technology?

Accepted Answer

WTN App is designed for people on building sites, not office workers. Each party only sees their own step of the chain — producer prep, carrier pickup, delivery handoff, or consignee receipt — and the next person gets an email when it's their turn. If you can use WhatsApp, you can use this. New drivers usually get the hang of it within one job. If anyone gets stuck, we help by email or phone, and the app has short in-line tips so nobody needs a training manual.

Question 9

Can I try it before I pay?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You get 20 notes free when you sign up — no card required.

Question 10

What happens to my old paper notes?

Accepted Answer

Keep them for the required retention period (2 years, 3 for hazardous). The digital mandate applies to new transfers going forward. Your existing paper records don't need to be digitised.

Question 11

How is my data stored and is it GDPR compliant?

Accepted Answer

Customer and driver data is encrypted at rest and in transit, held on UK-hosted infrastructure, and access is per-user rather than shared logins. Notes are flagged for destruction when they pass the statutory retention window. You still need to register as a data controller with the ICO and run your own privacy notice — that part nobody can do for you — but the handling of WTN data itself is designed to keep you on the right side of UK GDPR.

Question 12

Will it integrate with my existing fleet or accounting software?

Accepted Answer

Not yet. Today WTN App is a stand-alone tool: you create notes in the app and your existing fleet or accounting system stays separate. We hear the integration request a lot (Xero, Quickbooks, existing fleet management platforms) and it is on the roadmap, but we would rather be honest about what ships today than promise something that does not exist.

Free Compliance Risk Calculator

Recommendations

What does this score mean?

What's at stake?