Defra waste tracking for scrap yards and waste sites
Report every load to Defra – from one login.
Sites that receive waste must report every load to Defra within 2 working days. Scrap4Free does it for you: loads from Scrap4Free collectors arrive already filled in, and your other loads take about a minute to add.
Free for 30 days, then £29.99 a month. Sending Scrap4Free loads is always free.
- Received
- Tue 29 Sep, 09:14
- Carrier
- Example Metals Ltd
- Waste
- 17 04 05 Iron and steel
- Weight
- 2,340 kg
- Due by
- Thu 1 Oct
- Passed Defra’s production approval tests
Connected to Defra’s digital waste tracking service. - Never miss the 2-working-day deadline
Every load shows when it’s due, bank holidays counted. - Scrap4Free loads arrive filled in
Matched to your site by permit number.
How it works
Four parts, from setting up to staying on top of every load. Each step shows who does it.
1Set up – once, about 10 minutes
- Office / owner
Apply
Choose scrap metal yard or waste site, and give your permit or exemption number.
- Scrap4Free
We check and approve
We check your permit and email you a link to set your password.
- Office / owner
Add your Defra API Code
From your site’s registration on GOV.UK “Report receipt of waste”. Paste it in Settings.
- Office / owner
Set your usual code
Choose what you usually do with the waste, for example R4. It’s filled in on every load.
2A Scrap4Free load arrives
- Collector
Arrives with the QR
Their waste transfer note and load details come with them.
- Automatic
Already filled in
Matched to your site by permit number – carrier, waste codes, weights.
- Yard / site
Confirm at the gate
Check it, and add your weighbridge weight if it differs.
- Automatic
Sent to Defra – free
Tap send, or switch on auto-send. You get Defra’s waste tracking ID.
3Any other load – typed in by you
- Yard / site
Add a load
Date and time received, and the weighbridge ticket if you have one.
- Yard / site
Who brought it
Carrier and vehicle registration. No carrier registration? Pick the reason, for example householder.
- Yard / site
What they brought
Waste type (EWC), weight, container and recovery code. Hazardous and POPs questions only when needed.
- Automatic
Checked and sent
Checked before sending, then sent. Or save for later and send within 2 working days.
4Stay on top of it – Home and All loads
- Automatic
Due
Loads not sent yet, with their 2-working-day deadline.
- Yard / site
Needs fixing
If Defra doesn’t accept a load, the reason is shown in plain English. Fix and resend.
- Yard / site
Correct a sent load
Send Defra a correction with the same tracking ID.
- Office / owner
Records
Search every load, download a spreadsheet, open or print any load.
Who does what
One login for your site. Your Defra API Code links your site on Defra’s service to Scrap4Free.
| Who | What they do | What they need |
|---|---|---|
| Yard or site owner | Applies, adds the Defra API Code, sends loads, fixes anything Defra doesn’t accept, downloads records. | Environmental permit or exemption number, and the site’s Defra API Code. |
| Gate or weighbridge | Confirms Scrap4Free loads as they arrive and adds other loads using the site’s login. | Any computer, tablet or phone. |
| Scrap4Free collectors | Bring loads with their waste transfer note and QR code, so the load is already filled in. | Nothing from you. |
| Other carriers and householders | Bring loads as usual. You add them in about a minute. | Nothing from them. |
| Scrap4Free | Checks your permit, sets up your account and sends your loads to Defra’s waste tracking service. | – |
Price
Free for 30 days, then
£29.99 a month
Sending Scrap4Free loads to Defra is always free.
Apply for a yard accountRun skips or vehicles too? Add driver waste notes – see Skip hire.
The Defra rule, in plain English
- Sites that receive waste report each load within 2 working days of receiving it. The portal shows what’s due and when.
- Defra’s answer is shown straight away: a waste tracking ID when accepted, or the reason – in plain English – when it isn’t.
- Every change is recorded. Corrections keep Defra’s tracking ID, and a load only changes if Defra accepts the correction.
- When the trial ends: you get 7 extra days to subscribe. After that you can’t add new loads until you subscribe, but you can still view and download everything, and Scrap4Free loads still send free.
Take it with you: How it works for yards and waste sites
Everything on this page on two printable A4 pages – for your office, your gate staff, or anyone who needs to sign it off. PDF.
Questions yards ask
What is Defra digital waste tracking?
Defra’s online service for recording waste as it moves. Since 1 October 2026, sites that receive waste – including scrap metal yards and waste transfer stations – must report every load to it within 2 working days.
Where do I get my Defra API Code?
When you register your site on GOV.UK’s “Report receipt of waste” service. Paste it into Settings and your loads can be sent.
How much does it cost?
Free for 30 days, then £29.99 a month. Sending loads brought in by Scrap4Free collectors is always free.
What if Defra doesn’t accept a load?
You see the reason in plain English. Fix it and resend – the load stays saved in the meantime.
Do my gate staff need their own login?
They can use the site’s login on any computer, tablet or phone to confirm loads and add new ones.
I already get a private yard link from Scrap4Free. Does it still work?
Yes. Your private link keeps working. A yard account adds your other loads and Defra reporting in one place.
Start your free 30 days
Have your permit or exemption number ready. We check it and email you a link to set your password.