Jessica Morgan-Smith, Partner at MPG, discusses the next generation of circularity:
The circularity and recycling sector is often misunderstood from the outside, with people often seeing ‘waste’ as a simple issue without understanding the complexities of the industry and innovation that drives towards a circular economy. Take this from the woman who is lovingly known as “the bin lady”! For those starting out in the industry, that perception is (thankfully) changing. With that in mind, I chatted to a few relatively newbies to the waste industry to get their views.
Lillie Reeve, who joined Breedon Group after graduating with a degree in Environmental Sustainability, reflects a common starting point. Like most people who start work in the circularity industry, she initially had a limited understanding of the sector, but exposure through early-career experience quickly reshaped that view. Now working within the recycling and quarrying industry, she highlights the scale and variety of work involved:
“The recycling and waste side of quarrying is vast, and there is always something new to study; there is never a boring day…”
For Lillie, one of the industry’s defining features is its pace of change. With legislation evolving and best practices constantly improving, her role demands continuous learning and collaboration. It’s this environment that keeps the work engaging and progressive. Ellen MacCallum, who works in our permitting team at MPG, echoes this, pointing to the diversity of projects as a major attraction:
“Every project is different, and I feel like I’m learning new things all the time…
It’s really rewarding when things come together.”
She also highlights something often overlooked, which is the genuine commitment within the industry to sustainability. From the inside, it becomes clear that the agenda for most businesses is not just to comply with regulations but also to improve environmental outcomes and develop innovative solutions actively. Charlie Chandley, from our planning and permitting team at MPG, had a similar experience entering the sector with little prior knowledge. What stood out most was the complexity behind the scenes:
“I didn’t expect there to be so much that goes on behind the scenes… waste can often be dismissed, but it plays a fundamental role in so many different industries.”
Through his planning and permitting work on waste and recycling applications, Charlie has seen firsthand the level of detail required before operators can even consider starting work on a site. From environmental risk assessments to protecting sensitive habitats to Fire Prevention Plans and the rest. While he acknowledges that the process can be lengthy, he also recognises its importance:
“Whilst the approval process for an application may be lengthy, it ensures an operation meets all the current standards…. An increase in the rate at which applications are decided would be a significant improvement, provided the standards do not decrease.”
Across all three perspectives, the common thread is an initial misconception of the industry.
There remains a widespread misunderstanding of the industry and the value it delivers. This disconnect between perception and reality is one of the sector’s biggest challenges, but also one of its biggest opportunities with the move away from ‘waste’ as a negative to ‘circular economy’ as a goal.
As new professionals enter the field, they bring fresh perspectives and a much-welcomed willingness to challenge outdated assumptions. Their experiences reveal an industry that is dynamic, technically demanding, and deeply committed to sustainability.
The message from this new generation seems pretty clear: the circularity and recycling sector is not just about managing waste, it’s about reframing waste as a resource and recognising its essential role in building a more sustainable future. So come on in and join us!
