Modern Slavery Statement for Waste Disposal Wandsworth

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Waste Disposal Wandsworth has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise that the waste management and environmental services sectors can be exposed to risks of exploitation, particularly within complex contracting and subcontracting arrangements. We are committed to conducting our business ethically, transparently, and in full respect of human rights.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Waste Disposal Wandsworth operates a clear zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, servitude and all forms of exploitation. This applies to every aspect of our activities, from our directly employed workforce to the services, products and labour we procure from third parties. We will not knowingly work with any organisation that fails to uphold these standards.

All managers and supervisors are responsible for promoting and enforcing this policy. Any breach of this policy by an employee may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Any breach by a supplier, contractor or other business partner may result in the termination of the business relationship.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Waste Disposal Wandsworth provides waste collection, disposal and recycling services to residential, commercial and public sector customers. Our supply chains include, but are not limited to, providers of waste containers and equipment, vehicle and plant maintenance, personal protective equipment, agency labour, cleaning, facilities management and professional services.

We recognise that certain activities, such as temporary labour provision, transportation, cleaning and subcontracted site services, may carry higher risks of modern slavery. We focus particular attention on these areas when assessing and managing risk.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We expect all suppliers and contractors to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery. Our procurement processes require suppliers to confirm compliance with applicable labour and human rights legislation and to demonstrate that they have systems in place to prevent modern slavery within their own operations and supply chains.

Waste Disposal Wandsworth conducts risk-based due diligence on new and existing suppliers. This may include pre-contract questionnaires, declarations regarding modern slavery, and, where appropriate, site visits. For higher-risk suppliers, we reserve the right to conduct more detailed audits. These audits may examine recruitment practices, use of labour agencies, working hours, pay records, access to identity documents and grievance mechanisms.

Where non-compliance or areas of concern are identified, we will work with the supplier to agree on corrective actions and a clear timeline for improvement. If a supplier fails to make satisfactory progress or shows unwillingness to address issues, we may suspend or terminate the relationship.

Reporting Channels and Protection

All employees, workers, contractors and other stakeholders are encouraged to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery or human trafficking connected to Waste Disposal Wandsworth or its supply chains. Concerns can be raised through line managers, senior management or via our confidential reporting channels. Reports can be made anonymously where permitted by law.

We do not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith. Every report will be treated seriously, investigated appropriately and, where necessary, escalated to senior leadership. Where evidence of modern slavery is found, we will take immediate action to safeguard affected individuals and cooperate with relevant authorities.

Training, Awareness and Continuous Improvement

We provide targeted training to managers, supervisors, procurement staff and other relevant employees to help them recognise indicators of modern slavery and understand how to respond to concerns. Awareness materials are used to reinforce our zero-tolerance stance and to remind staff of available reporting channels.

We are committed to continually improving our approach by learning from audits, investigations, industry guidance and best practice. We will refine our risk assessments, supplier engagement processes and training content as our understanding of modern slavery risks evolves.

Governance and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our response to modern slavery rests with the senior management of Waste Disposal Wandsworth. They ensure that appropriate policies, procedures and resources are in place and that key risks are monitored and addressed.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually to ensure it remains accurate, effective and aligned with legal requirements and evolving best practice. As part of the annual review, we evaluate the effectiveness of our controls, the outcomes of supplier audits, the use of reporting channels and any incidents or concerns raised. Findings from the review inform our priorities and action plans for the following year.

By publishing this statement, Waste Disposal Wandsworth reaffirms its commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking and to promoting ethical conduct throughout our business and supply chains.