FAQs
When do I need to upgrade Fred?
We're now in the final stages of testing. Once everything is signed-off, we'll be in touch regarding your upgrade.
I'm having trouble registering or logging in on the Defra portal. Who can help?
Fred Support cannot assist with issues relating to signing up, logging in to or managing your GOV.uk or Defra accounts. You must contact the DWT Helpline on 03000 203 781.
What information will I need in order to set up Digital Waste Tracking in Fred?
API Code(s)
You'll need an API Code for each organisation you manage online with Defra. As a general rule, you'll need an API Code per organisation/Defra login. If you have multiple organisations manageable under a single Defra login, you'll still need a separate API Code for each of them.
If you are operating multiple sites, for instance you might have more than 1 yard, you can use the API Code from the main organisation on the associated sites. Sites operating under a waste exemption will not be included in Phase 1, so you won't need an API Code for those sites just yet.
Please don't send your API Codes to the Fred Team - just keep them handy until you're ready to upgrade your Fred System.
Site Permit Number(s)
You'll need to enter a Site Permit Number against each site you manage, as part of the DWT Settings. This is the permit from the Environment Agency, rather than your Local Authority. Site Permit Numbers can usually be found here: https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-operations
If you're operating any sites under a waste exemption, you won't need to submit receipts for those sites at the moment. We anticipate they'll be included in phase 2.
Any enquiries regarding permits or exemptions must be directed to the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506.
I cannot see an option to request an API Code in my Defra account
You must contact the DWT Helpline on 03000 203 781.
How do I know if I need to make DWT submissions for my organisation(s)?
You must contact the DWT Helpline on 03000 203 781.
When will data be sent to the DWT Service from Fred?
DWT entries are created in Fred at the point a Ticket leaves Gross Tare, so for example when you consolidate or produce a Weighbridge Ticket. The actual submission happens either immediately (if you choose to do 'live' submissions) or at a later time as part of a batch (if you choose to do 'batch' submissions).
If you're doing batch submissions, you'll need to ensure these are done within the timescales set by Defra. The current guidance is that you'll have 2 working days from the day after receiving the waste to submit your report. For example, if you receive the waste at 9am on Monday, you must submit your receipt by 11:59pm on Wednesday. Because of this, we don't recommend leaving tickets sitting in Gross Tare for longer than is absolutely necessary; when the DWT entry is created it will inherit the date the ticket was actually created and not the ticket date or date it was moved out of Gross Tare.
What are POPs and how do I know if my waste contains them?
Once your Fred System has been upgraded, there will be a new option on Stock Items to confirm whether the waste you are receiving contains POPs. POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) are chemical substances that do not break down in the environment. They are a danger to human health and the environment. You must record details of each POP concentration in mg per kg against the Stock Item.
You are responsible under your Waste Duty of Care to know if your waste material contains POPs as you must provide an accurate description of your waste. If you are not sure you can:
- visit the government website for guidance on handling and processing waste containing POPs - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/identify-and-classify-waste-containing-persistent-organic-pollutants-pops
- ask the supplier or manufacturer of the material
- test the material yourself to find out the concentration of any POPs in it
- get the material analysed by a laboratory
Fred Support cannot advise on whether your waste contains POPs and all queries on this must be directed to the relevant government helpline.
What happens if I need to amend a ticket I've already done a submission for?
You are able to make amendments to tickets as usual, even if a submission has already been done. For example if you added or deleted a ticket line from consolidation, a new record would be created for that ticket with the original being marked as 'superseded'. The new entry would inherit the same Tracking ID as the original, so that it shows as a revision of an existing submission rather than a new item. This would then be submitted as usual.
What do I do if I need to void an entry I've already submitted?
We've checked with Defra and there's currently no protocol for this. Once an entry has been submitted, there is no way to delete/recall this.
Content on this page was accurate when published and may be subject to change.