PaperRoute vs BigChange:
Waste Collection Software Compared
BigChange is a generic field service tool. PaperRoute is purpose-built for waste collection. Here's how they compare.
Why waste companies choose PaperRoute over BigChange
Waste-Specific Features
BigChange is built for generic field service across many industries. It lacks native Waste Transfer Notes, Certificates of Destruction, and EWC code management. PaperRoute includes all of these as standard — purpose-built for UK waste compliance.
Simple Pricing
PaperRoute is £249/month + VAT for the first 4 users, with an introductory £220 offer for eligible requests. There are no tiers or feature gates. BigChange uses per-user, feature-tiered pricing where you pay more to unlock additional functionality.
Built for SMBs
PaperRoute is designed for waste and recycling companies with 1–20 drivers. You get a system built around your workflows — not an enterprise tool scaled down. Fast to set up, easy to learn, and supported by a team that understands waste.
Feature-by-feature comparison
A detailed look at what each platform offers for waste collection operations.
| Feature | PaperRoute | BigChange |
|---|---|---|
| Recurring Route ManagementBigChange offers route planning but not waste-specific recurring schedules | Yes | Partial |
| Digital Waste Transfer NotesNot available — BigChange has no native WTN support | Yes | No |
| Certificate of DestructionNot available — requires third-party workarounds | Yes | No |
| Self-Bill Purchase InvoicesNot available in BigChange | Yes | No |
| EWC Code ManagementNo built-in European Waste Catalogue support | Yes | No |
| Sage + QuickBooks + XeroBigChange offers some accounting integrations but not direct Sage self-bill invoicing | Yes | Partial |
| Truck-Safe RoutingPaperRoute routes avoid low bridges and weight restrictions | Yes | No |
| Offline-First Mobile AppBigChange app has limited offline capability | Yes | Partial |
| Real-Time GPS TrackingBoth platforms offer GPS driver tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Customer PortalPaperRoute includes a branded customer self-service portal | Yes | No |
| Container ManagementTrack bin and container assets across customer sites | Yes | No |
| Vehicle Safety ChecklistsBigChange offers generic checklists, not waste-vehicle-specific | Yes | Partial |
Pricing: transparent vs contact-for-quote
PaperRoute
Published pricing. Every feature included in every plan. No per-module charges.
Start with a 14-day assisted trial. No card or automatic conversion.
BigChange
No public pricing. Per-user costs with feature-tiered plans that vary by package.
Pricing information based on publicly available details as of 2026.
Who is each platform best for?
Choose PaperRoute if you are...
- A UK waste or recycling company with 1–20 drivers
- Looking for waste-specific compliance features (WTNs, CoDs, EWC codes)
- Wanting transparent pricing with every feature included
- Preparing for your role-specific Digital Waste Tracking phase
- Looking for direct Sage, QuickBooks, or Xero invoicing with self-bill support
- Wanting a system that works offline in areas with poor signal
BigChange may suit you if you are...
- A larger business with 50+ field workers across multiple industries
- Looking for a generic field service management platform
- Operating in sectors like HVAC, plumbing, or electrical alongside waste
- Needing a platform that covers many different trade types in one system
- Happy with contact-for-quote pricing and per-user licensing
- Not requiring waste-specific compliance features like WTNs or CoDs
How to switch from BigChange to PaperRoute
We configure the system first, then your 14-day trial starts when you accept and activate the account.
Share your customer and route data
Export your customer list and route details from BigChange (CSV export). PaperRoute's onboarding team imports everything and configures your waste streams, EWC codes, and pricing. You don't need to re-enter data manually.
Run parallel for two weeks
Start the 14-day trial with useful real data already loaded. Run PaperRoute alongside BigChange so your team can test the workflows before deciding whether to continue.
Go live and cancel BigChange
Once your team is comfortable, switch fully to PaperRoute. Cancel your BigChange subscription and start saving on your monthly software costs. PaperRoute support remains available throughout.
The cost of staying on BigChange
PaperRoute publishes the exact price as your team grows. Ask BigChange for a current written quote, then compare like for like.
| Total users | PaperRoute / month | BigChange / month | PaperRoute terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 4 | £220 intro / £249 standard | Request a quote | Every feature included |
| 6 | £290 intro / £319 standard | Request a quote | £35 for each extra user |
| 10 | £430 intro / £459 standard | Request a quote | £35 for each extra user |
PaperRoute prices exclude VAT. Introductory figures apply to requests received by 30 September 2026; the base price is protected for 24 months while continuously subscribed. Paid service is 30-day rolling.
PaperRoute vs BigChange FAQ
Is PaperRoute cheaper than BigChange?
PaperRoute publishes its pricing: the standard new-customer price is £249/month + VAT for the first 4 users, then £35 per additional user. Requests by 30 September 2026 qualify for an introductory £220 base price. BigChange asks customers to request a quote, so compare a current written BigChange quote against the PaperRoute figures shown here.
Does BigChange support digital waste transfer notes?
BigChange does not offer PaperRoute's native digital Waste Transfer Notes, Certificates of Destruction or EWC code workflow. PaperRoute includes these in every plan.
Can I switch from BigChange to PaperRoute?
Yes. Request a 14-day trial and our team will help configure your customer data, routes and pricing before you activate it. The trial starts only when you accept the terms, with no card and no automatic conversion. If you continue afterwards, the service is 30-day rolling.
Which is better for small waste companies?
PaperRoute is purpose-built for UK waste and recycling SMBs with 1–20 drivers. Every feature is included in every plan — there are no feature gates or per-module charges. BigChange is designed for larger enterprises across multiple industries, which means more complexity and cost than most small waste companies need.
Choose what suits you
Start a free trial, or see it first
If you are ready to test PaperRoute with your own operation, start the assisted 14-day trial. If you would rather talk it through first, book a live demo at a time that works for you.
Ready to get going?
Start your 14-day free trial
Tell us about your operation and we will configure a useful starting point. Your trial begins only when the system is ready and you say go.
- The complete PaperRoute system
- Assisted setup around your workflow
- No card or automatic conversion
Want a walkthrough first?
Book a live PaperRoute demo
Choose a convenient time for a focused 30-minute call. We will show you the relevant workflows, answer your questions and help you decide whether the trial is the right next step.
- Pick a live time from our calendar
- See the product with a PaperRoute specialist
- No obligation to start a trial
Or call 03333 707007.