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 starts from £220/month with every feature included — no tiers, no feature gates, no surprises. 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.
30-day risk-free guarantee. No long-term contracts.
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, all-inclusive pricing from £220/month
- Needing to be ready for DEFRA Digital Waste Tracking by October 2026
- 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
Most waste companies are fully operational on PaperRoute within two weeks. You can run both systems in parallel during your 30-day risk-free guarantee so there's no pressure or disruption.
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 with your real data already loaded — our 30-day risk-free guarantee means zero pressure. Run PaperRoute alongside BigChange so your team can get comfortable without operational risk. Most teams are confident within the first week.
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
BigChange uses per-user pricing with feature-tiered plans — meaning the cost scales with your team. PaperRoute charges a flat monthly rate with every feature included.
| Team size | PaperRoute / month | BigChange (est.) / month | Annual saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 drivers | £220 | £300–£400 | ~£1,200 |
| 5 drivers | £220 | £600–£900 | ~£5,400 |
| 10 drivers | £500 | £1,200–£1,800 | ~£8,400 |
BigChange estimates based on publicly available per-user pricing information as of 2026. Actual costs vary by plan and negotiated contract.
PaperRoute vs BigChange FAQ
Is PaperRoute cheaper than BigChange?
PaperRoute offers transparent, published pricing starting at £220/month for up to 4 users with every feature included. BigChange uses per-user pricing with feature-tiered plans, meaning you may pay extra to unlock functionality that comes standard with PaperRoute. For small waste companies with 1–20 drivers, PaperRoute is typically significantly more affordable.
Does BigChange support digital waste transfer notes?
BigChange does not offer native digital Waste Transfer Notes, Certificates of Destruction, or EWC code management. As a generic field service platform, it lacks the waste-specific compliance features required by UK waste carriers. PaperRoute includes all of these as standard in every plan, with full DEFRA Digital Waste Tracking readiness.
Can I switch from BigChange to PaperRoute?
Yes. PaperRoute's onboarding team will help you migrate your customer data, routes, and pricing. Most waste companies are fully operational on PaperRoute within two weeks. We offer a 30-day risk-free guarantee so you can run both systems in parallel before committing.
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.
See PaperRoute waste collection software in action
Book a free 30-minute demo and see the full end-to-end flow: route planning, driver app collection, digital WTN generation, and Sage invoicing — the only waste management platform that does it all.
PaperRoute's Sage integration — collection data flows straight into your accounts.
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