The two working day rule for digital waste tracking, explained
Last checked 26 October 2026
Receiving sites must record waste by the end of the second working day after it arrives. Weekends and bank holidays do not count.
How the count works
The day after the waste arrives is day one. Weekends and bank holidays are skipped. The record must be in by the end of the second working day, which is 11:59pm.
Defra's own example: waste received at 9am on a Monday must be recorded, and have its reference number, by 11:59pm on Wednesday. Waste received on a Friday is due by the end of Tuesday, or Wednesday if Monday is a bank holiday.
Bank holidays depend on where you are
England and Wales share bank holidays. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own, so the same delivery can fall due on different days. In Scotland, Easter Monday also does not count as a working day. Our deadline calculator uses each nation's rules.
Does it apply to carriers?
This rule is in force for receiving sites. The rules for carriers, brokers and dealers have not been published, so the exact deadline for them is not yet known. Record movements promptly, but do not treat a receiving-site deadline as an enacted carrier deadline.
It also matters to carriers now: the site you deliver to has a clock running from the moment your load arrives, so they will want your details quickly.
Work out a date
Pick the delivery date and where you are, and the calculator shows the last day, and any bank holidays it skipped.
Sources
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so check Defra's and your regulator's current guidance before you rely on it. Loadmark is not run by Defra or the Environment Agency.
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