Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Business awards 2026, High Growth Business of the Year Winner
At the 2026 Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, Change Waste Recycling has been named High Growth Business of the Year, a recognition that celebrates not only exceptional financial performance, but a commitment to growth that benefits customers, communities, and the environment alike.
At the heart of the company’s success lies a simple but powerful mission:
“To take the pressure off our clients by ensuring stress-free waste management that drives positive environmental change.”
In the financial year ending March 2025, Change Waste Recycling achieved revenue of £8.73 million, marking an 18% increase on the previous year. The momentum has continued, with turnover projected to reach £10.4 million this year. representing a 38% rise since 2023/24.
Behind these figures stands a motivated and expanding team. Over the past year, employee numbers increased from 65 to 80, with strategic hires across finance, sales, and operations strengthening the company’s infrastructure and enabling scalable national growth.
This expansion has been driven in part by the success of the company’s national business division, launched in 2022. By 2024, it had secured major retail clients including Uniqlo, Lush, Knoops, Schuh, and Helix. For these brands, Change Waste Recycling provides more than collections, it delivers measurable sustainability outcomes aligned with their environmental commitments.
Central to the company’s growth is its distinctive source-segregated recycling model, which enables customers to separate recyclables at source. This approach reduces contamination, produces cleaner materials, and lowers carbon emissions across the waste chain.
Each month, Change Waste Recycling collects approximately 500 tonnes of recyclables, including paper, cardboard, plastics, tin cans, and food waste. By diverting these materials away from landfill and incineration, the company helps customers significantly reduce their carbon footprint.
Sustainability is measured, not assumed. Through its partnership with Planet Mark, the business tracks its carbon footprint across energy, water, waste, travel, and procurement, ensuring accountability and year-on-year improvement.
Environmental leadership remains central to this plan:
70% of the fleet now consists of low-emission Luton vans
The company took delivery of its first two electric vehicles in September 2025
A commitment has been made to transition to a fully electric fleet within three years
Lighting systems have been upgraded for energy efficiency
Plans are underway to install solar panels at company facilities
Additionally, the company has committed to reducing carbon emissions by at least 5% annually, verified through Planet Mark certification.
Winning High Growth Business of the Year at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2026 recognises more than strong financial performance. It celebrates a company that has shown how commercial success and environmental responsibility can work hand in hand.
Change Waste Recycling’s journey is one of steady evolution, driven by passionate people who believe business can be a force for good.