Modern Slavery Statement — Business Waste Commitment
Our organisation is committed to preventing modern slavery across all operations and supply chains in the commercial waste and corporate waste management sectors. This statement sets out the steps we take to ensure that our business waste services are delivered responsibly, with respect for human rights. We uphold a zero-tolerance approach to forced labor, human trafficking and any practices that exploit workers, whether in direct operations or among contractors and third-party suppliers.
We recognise that the risks of modern slavery can arise in many parts of the value chain for waste management and recycling, including collection, sorting, transport and disposal. Our policy applies to every part of our organisation and to every supplier providing waste services, equipment, or labour. We require contractual commitments from suppliers to adhere to ethical labour standards and to cooperate with our due diligence activities.
To give effect to our position, we operate a robust supplier audit programme that evaluates labour practices, working conditions and recruitment processes across the commercial waste supply chain. Suppliers are assessed on risk indicators such as subcontracting arrangements, use of labour hire agencies, migrant worker engagement and wage practices. Audit outcomes inform corrective action plans and, when necessary, contract termination. Our audits combine desktop checks, on-site inspections and worker interviews to provide a full picture of compliance and to drive remediation.
Policy, Procurement and Training
We maintain a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery in all forms. This policy is embedded in procurement processes and contract terms for collection, transfer, recycling and disposal of business waste. Our procurement teams receive mandatory training on identifying red flags in vendor invoices, labour sourcing and subcontracting, and on how to escalate concerns through the correct channels.
Employee awareness and supplier engagement are central to our prevention strategy. We provide regular training for drivers, site supervisors and contract managers in the waste services network so they can identify indicators of exploitation and respond appropriately. Training includes safe reporting procedures, the rights of workers, and the measures required to protect whistleblowers.
Contractual requirements for suppliers include commitments to:
- comply with modern slavery laws and labour standards,
- permit audits and provide full transparency over labour supply chains,
- implement recruitment and wage practices that prevent exploitation.
Reporting Channels and Remediation
We operate multiple safe and confidential reporting channels for concerns related to forced labour or other exploitation within our corporate waste management activities. Employees and third parties can report concerns anonymously through internal hotlines or by raising issues directly with compliance teams. All reports are investigated promptly, and we apply a victim-centred approach to remediation, prioritising safety, recovery and fair employment outcomes.
Where investigations uncover non-compliance, we require suppliers to implement time-bound corrective action plans. We use contractual remedies where necessary, including suspension or termination of contracts for persistent breaches. Our approach recognises the need to balance remediation and enforcement, aiming to restore worker rights while removing systemic risk from the business waste supply chain.
Accountability is maintained through governance oversight and continuous improvement. We monitor key performance indicators related to supplier audit results, training completion rates, reported incidents and remediation outcomes. Senior management reviews these metrics regularly and integrates findings into procurement strategy and risk management processes to reduce the incidence of modern slavery in our industrial and commercial waste operations.
We commit to an annual review of this statement and of the policies that support it. Each year we will evaluate the effectiveness of our due diligence, audit schedules, reporting mechanisms and training programmes and publish updates to reflect improvements, lessons learned and changes in the risk landscape of business waste. Through these ongoing efforts we strive to ensure that our waste management activities uphold human dignity and comply with the highest ethical standards.
By maintaining strong supplier oversight, enforcing a zero-tolerance stance, providing secure reporting channels and conducting regular audits and an annual review, we aim to eliminate modern slavery from our commercial waste and corporate waste service operations and promote responsible practices across the sector.