What is the Receipt of Waste API?
The Receipt of Waste API is how waste software sends receipt records straight to DEFRA, instead of manual entry. What it is, the API versus the spreadsheet, and why it matters.
The Receipt of Waste API is how waste software connects to DEFRA's digital waste tracking service. If that sounds technical, the short version is this: it lets your system tell DEFRA what you received, automatically. Here is what it is and why it matters.
What it does
When a permitted site takes in a load of waste, it has to record that receipt on DEFRA's system. The Receipt of Waste API lets the site's own software send that record straight to DEFRA as the load is booked in, instead of someone retyping it into a separate government website.
The API or the spreadsheet
DEFRA offers two ways in. The API, software to software, automatic. And a manual spreadsheet upload, a fallback for sites with no connected software, due to run until at least October 2027. The API is the one that scales, because it takes out the double entry and the typing mistakes that come with it.
Why it matters to you
If your waste software is connected to the Receipt of Waste API, your DEFRA records are made for you, accurately, with no extra admin. If it is not, you are back to manual entry. Consigns is already live with DEFRA's system. There is more in our digital waste tracking guide and our news piece on digital waste tracking going live.