Digital Waste Tracking: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment

Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment

1. Brief Summary

Type of proposal:

• Scottish Statutory Instrument

Name the proposal, and describe its overall aims and intended purpose.

The Digital Waste Tracking (Scotland) Regulations 2026

The Digital Waste Tracking (Scotland) Regulations 2026 (“the Regulations”) relate to the introduction of a digital waste tracking system in Scotland (part of a UK wide project). Waste tracking across the UK is currently paper based. The introduction of a digital tracking service will allow for real time data to be collected and used to aid the tackling of waste crime.

Waste crime is a major problem in the UK and can range from illegal exporting, operating unlicensed sites, burning waste, misdescribing waste to avoid taxes and large scale dumping or flytipping. These actions are often linked to organised crime groups and are a significant cost to taxpayers They also have negative environmental and health outcomes.

Digital waste tracking will allow for more accurate and robust information on waste movements, making it more difficult for illegal activities to occur.

Start date of proposal’s development:

January 2018

Start date of CRWIA process:

December 2025

2. With reference given to the requirements of the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024, which aspects of the proposal are relevant to/impact upon children’s rights?

The Regulations relate to the first phase of the Digital Waste Tracking System which will be implemented across all four nations of the UK. These Regulations are aimed at waste receivers at permitted facilities in Scotland. The proposal therefore does not have a direct impact on children’s rights.

However, once the Regulations are implemented, the Digital Waste Tracking System may contribute indirect benefits that will promote the health and wellbeing of children. As discussed above, large scale dumping and flytipping are significant issues that the Digital Waste Tracking System seeks to combat. The reduction in such harms would result in cleaner surroundings, which in turn would foster better physical health for children. This indirect effect aligns with the general principles of the UNCRC’s requirements and once implemented, will impact on Article 24 of the UNCRC: Health and Health Services, in respect of producing a cleaner environment. Access to a clean environment benefits physical and mental health across all age groups, including children.

3. Please provide a summary of the evidence gathered which will be used to inform your decision-making and the content of the proposal

Evidence from:

• existing research/reports/policy expertise

Not applicable.

• consultation/feedback from stakeholders

Not applicable.

• consultation/feedback directly from children and young people

Not applicable.

4. Further to the evidence described at ‘3’ have you identified any 'gaps' in evidence which may prevent determination of impact? If yes, please provide an explanation of how they will be addressed

Not applicable.

5. Analysis of Evidence

Not applicable.

6. What changes (if any) have been made to the proposal as a result of this assessment?

Not applicable.