In today’s digital-first world, our environmental footprint is no longer limited to physical waste alone. Behind every click, stored file, and digital transaction lies an unseen cost — one that quietly contributes to rising energy consumption and carbon emissions. Yet, the concept of digital waste remains largely underexplored in mainstream sustainability conversations. As sustainability education evolves to meet the demands of a more connected economy, it’s vital that organisations also turn their attention to managing digital waste. One increasingly effective approach is digital waste tracking, a growing practice that merges technology and sustainability to reduce inefficiencies and environmental harm.
Digital waste meaning – What is digital waste?
Digital waste refers to the unnecessary, excessive, or inefficient generation, storage, and transmission of digital data and assets that consume energy and resources without providing real value. It is an often overlooked contributor to carbon emissions and environmental degradation in the digital age.
Common types of digital waste:
- Unwanted emails and spam: Storing and sending unnecessary emails consumes energy on servers and devices.
- Duplicate and obsolete files: Backups, outdated documents, and unused media stored on cloud platforms or local drives contribute to energy-intensive data storage.
- Unoptimised websites and applications: Poorly coded or bloated websites/apps increase data transfer and device processing, leading to higher energy use.
- Unused software and apps: Applications left running or installed unnecessarily still consume resources and storage.
- Idle data centres and server capacity: Maintaining underutilised or outdated digital infrastructure results in significant energy waste.
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The growing problem of digital waste
The rapid pace of digitalisation has created a largely invisible yet mounting issue – digital waste. This includes unused files, redundant data, outdated applications, and legacy systems that continue to consume energy, storage, and processing power without delivering value. Though intangible, digital waste contributes significantly to environmental and operational inefficiencies.
The scale of the problem is vast. For instance, global data creation is forecast to exceed 180 zettabytes by 2025, a dramatic rise from 79 zettabytes in 2021. Yet, much of this data is never accessed again after initial use. A report by Veritas Technologies found that 85 percent of all information stored by organisations is “dark data” – data that is collected, stored, and managed but not used.
Powering this ever-growing volume of data are data centres, which now account for approximately 1 percent of global electricity consumption. This is only expected to grow significantly as data centres continue to consume an increasing share of global electricity, driven in part by the rapid rise of power-intensive workloads like AI.
Even seemingly trivial digital actions contribute to emissions. A typical email emits around 4g of CO₂, while an email with a large attachment can generate up to 50g of CO₂, according to research by the BBC and carbon footprint experts like Mike Berners-Lee. With over 330 billion emails sent every day globally, the cumulative environmental cost is substantial.
What is digital waste tracking?
Digital waste tracking refers to the use of digital technologies (such as cloud-based platforms, QR codes, GPS, blockchain, and data analytics) to monitor, record, and manage the lifecycle of waste materials in real time. Key features of digital waste tracking include:
- Real-time monitoring: Tracks waste generation, movement, and disposal from source to end-point.
- Improved transparency: Provides a full audit trail of waste handling and transfers, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Enhanced data accuracy: Replaces manual, paper-based processes with automated, standardised reporting.
- Optimised operations: Enables better decision-making by identifying inefficiencies, illegal dumping, or incorrect segregation.
How digital waste tracking works
Below is an overview of how this digital waste solution works.
Step 1 – Waste generation and logging
When waste is produced, it’s digitally logged using mobile apps or platforms, capturing key details like type, volume, and source.
Step 2 – Tagging and identification
Each waste container is labelled with a unique identifier (e.g. QR code, RFID), linking it to a digital profile for full traceability.
Step 3 – Real-time transport tracking
Using GPS and IoT tech, waste movements are tracked live, from collection to disposal, ensuring the waste reaches certified facilities.
Step 4 – Automated compliance and reporting
The system generates digital documentation (e.g. transfer notes), supporting regulatory compliance and reducing admin work.
Step 5 – Data insights and sustainability
Collected data is analysed to optimise waste processes, reduce environmental impact, and support business sustainability strategies.
Digital waste management best practices
Below are some best practices for digital waste management to reduce environmental impact.
1. Centralise waste data management
Adopt an integrated digital waste tracking platform that consolidates all waste data (types, volumes, sources, and destinations) into one central system. This allows for real-time access, better visibility, and more efficient decision-making across departments and sites.
2. Automate waste documentation
Use software that automatically generates legally required documents such as waste transfer notes, hazardous waste consignment notes, and chain of custody reports. Automation reduces administrative burden, minimises human error, and ensures consistent regulatory compliance.
3. Implement smart tagging for waste containers
Attach RFID tags, barcodes, or QR codes to bins and waste storage units. These tags can be scanned at every stage (collection, transport, and disposal), creating a traceable digital record. This enhances accountability and prevents illegal dumping or loss of waste in transit.
4. Integrate IoT sensors for real-time monitoring
Equip waste containers with IoT sensors to monitor metrics like fill levels, temperature (for hazardous waste), and contamination. Alerts can be triggered when containers are full or conditions are unsafe, enabling more efficient collections and reducing environmental risks.
5. Categorise and track by waste type and source
Segment waste data based on type (e.g., plastic, organic, hazardous, e-waste) and source (e.g., departments, production lines, locations). This enables targeted waste reduction initiatives, supplier accountability, and helps in identifying high-waste areas for operational improvements.
6. Digitally monitor and verify waste contractors
Use GPS tracking and digital job logs to oversee third-party waste handlers. Ensure contractors are licensed, follow agreed routes, and dispose of waste at certified facilities. This strengthens compliance, mitigates reputational risk, and aligns with due diligence obligations under frameworks like the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD or CS3D).
7. Define clear KPIs and track performance with dashboards
Set measurable goals (e.g., landfill diversion rate, recycling rate, cost per tonne) and monitor them via real-time dashboards. Use the insights to benchmark against peers, assess ROI on sustainability initiatives, and report progress to stakeholders.
8. Provide training on digital waste systems
Ensure relevant staff are trained on how to use digital waste tools, follow data entry protocols, and understand the compliance implications. Regular refresher courses and onboarding sessions for new team members help maintain system integrity and accuracy.
9. Conduct regular digital audits
Use the digital system to conduct waste audits – cross-checking inputs, verifying disposal records, and identifying anomalies. This helps uncover inefficiencies, reduce unnecessary costs, and support transparent, verifiable sustainability reporting.
10. Align digital tracking with broader ESG goals
Integrate digital waste tracking data into your wider ESG reporting framework. Link waste reduction metrics to material ESG topics such as circular economy, pollution prevention, and resource efficiency. This improves investor transparency and supports sustainability assurance.
Conclusion
As digital ecosystems expand and data volumes surge, the challenge of digital waste will only become more urgent. Without proactive management, organisations risk not only inefficiencies but also environmental and regulatory consequences. However, with the right systems and strategy in place, digital waste tracking can be a powerful tool for advancing operational transparency, resource efficiency, and environmental performance.
Looking ahead, organisations that embrace digital waste tracking as part of their broader ESG strategy will be better positioned to lead in a low-carbon, data-driven world. Start equipping your team with the knowledge and tools they need to future-proof your business. Explore our online sustainability courses to support your organisation’s sustainability journey and take meaningful action today.
