In its monthly update on the UK-wide project, SEPA – which runs the project’s user panel – says it is progressing well and is continuing as planned despite the coronavirus pandemic.
The waste tracking project was first announced by Defra in February 2019, with Anthesis and Topolytics chosen in October 2019 to enter into ‘phase 2’ of the project.
This will see the pair work with Defra and the devolved administrations to construct prototypes for the UK’s first comprehensive digital waste tracking system. Anthesis plans to use QR codes on mobile devices to record the ID of consignments, so transactions will be faster and error free, whilst Topolytics plans to utilise data from a range of devices including apps and sensors on waste containers or vehicles.
Panel
Currently, SEPA is undertaking user research through its virtual waste tracking user panel, with almost 600 people signed up to help with additional research as well as usability testing of chunks of software as it is developed.
The feedback provided will help to shape the ongoing work of the two suppliers.
SEPA say that almost 600 people have signed up for our user panel so far, but has urged local authorities to join.
“We would like to see a higher level of representation by local authorities in due course, recognising the current challenges make this more difficult at the moment,” the update says .
“We would like to see a higher level of representation by local authorities in due course”
The pie chart below provides a breakdown of businesses on the user panel by size, showing that micro businesses make up 29% of the panel, small and medium sized enterprises 39% and large businesses 32%.
Remotely
SEPA says with the project now being nearly six months in and involving various departments, it is well prepared to work remotely and communicate with Anthesis and Topolytics.
“We will continue to engage with our user panel to conduct research and usability testing online but would like to emphasise that getting involved is entirely voluntary and we accept that some people may not be able to contribute during this difficult time,” SEPA explained.
The UK waste tracking project is a partnership between Government Digital Service (GDS), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Scottish Government, Welsh Government, the Environment Agency (EA), Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). The user panel is managed by SEPA on behalf of the project partners. To sign up to the panel, click HERE.
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