UMR
In-depth regulatory definition and operational context for UMR under 2026 mandates.
A Unique Movement Reference (UMR) is an identifier for a waste movement in DEFRA's waste tracking design. It belongs to movement tracking, which is planned for a later phase, and forms no part of the Phase 1 duty on receivers.
Technical Guidance & Context
The Phase 1 duty that applies from 1 October 2026 is narrower: the receiving site records specified information about each load it receives, by the end of the second working day after the day of receipt. There is no requirement to raise a reference before waste moves, and the UMR does not replace the paper Waste Transfer Note, which remains required under the duty of care.
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Record-Before-Move
Record-Before-Move is a core regulatory principle requiring a digital waste record to be created on the national service before waste physically leaves a site. This ensures that every shipment on the road is already accounted for in the digital system.
Waste Receiving Site
Waste Receiving Sites are the first group of operators mandated to use the Digital Waste Tracking service, beginning in October 2026. This covers facilities permitted to accept, treat or dispose of controlled waste. It does not cover waste disposal authority sites taking household waste from their own residents, and sites operating under a waste exemption are outside Phase 1 altogether.
Delegated Access
Delegated Access is a system feature that allows a waste producer to grant permission to a third party, such as a broker or carrier, to manage their digital waste records on their behalf.