Modern Slavery Statement for Waste Clearance
Our commitment to preventing modern slavery within our waste clearance operations and supply chain is absolute. We operate a zero-tolerance policy towards forced labour, human trafficking and any form of exploitation in all waste clearance services and waste removal activities we oversee. This statement outlines the steps we take across our waste disposal and waste management clearance functions to identify, mitigate and remediate risks.Scope and principles
This policy applies to every employee, contractor and partner engaged in clearance of waste on our behalf. We require all teams involved in waste clearance, including bulky waste removal and recycler coordination, to adhere to ethical labour standards. We underscore that compliance is non-negotiable and we use clear contractual terms to reflect our expectations.
Zero-tolerance policy
Our zero-tolerance approach means that any credible report of modern slavery, whether within our direct operations or among waste clearance suppliers, triggers immediate investigation. Sanctions for breaches include contract termination, referral to authorities and remedial support for victims. We document all incidents and outcomes to inform ongoing prevention work.
We maintain robust due diligence for supplier selection and ongoing monitoring. Supplier audits are a cornerstone of our approach to ensuring ethical practices across waste clearance contractors and waste removal partners. Audit measures include:
- Pre-contract screening of labour practices and subcontracting arrangements.
- Scheduled and unscheduled on-site audits focusing on worker documentation, hours, pay and living conditions.
- Review of recruitment channels to prevent debt bondage and exploitative hiring.
- Verification of health and safety compliance in waste disposal operations.
Audit results inform risk ratings for each supplier of waste clearance services. Higher-risk partners receive enhanced scrutiny and corrective action plans. We require binding commitments from suppliers to permit independent auditors and to remediate any identified issues promptly.
Reporting channels and whistleblowing
We provide multiple secure and confidential reporting channels for employees, contractors and members of the public to raise concerns about modern slavery within our waste clearance activities. These include internal hotlines, a dedicated reporting inbox and anonymous third-party reporting where available. All reports are treated seriously, investigated promptly and protected from retaliation.Key features of our reporting framework include:
- Confidentiality: Protection of reporter identity and sensitive details.
- Accessibility: Multiple channels in plain language to ensure inclusion.
- Response: Timely triage, investigation and, where necessary, referral to law enforcement or social services.
We encourage anyone who suspects exploitation in waste removal or clearance operations to come forward. Our response prioritises the safety and dignity of affected individuals.
Training, continuous improvement and annual review
We deliver mandatory training for staff and contractors on recognising signs of modern slavery in waste clearance, ethical recruitment and the correct use of reporting channels. Training is refreshed regularly and tailored for roles most likely to encounter at-risk individuals, such as collection crews, site managers and logistics coordinators.Our policies and procedures are subject to an annual review to ensure effectiveness across all areas of waste clearance and waste disposal. This review examines audit findings, incident trends, remediation outcomes, and the evolving regulatory context. Results are used to strengthen controls, update training content and refine supplier engagement strategies.
In summary, our stance on modern slavery in waste clearance services is uncompromising. Through a combination of a clear zero-tolerance policy, rigorous supplier audits, accessible reporting channels and a formal annual review process, we strive to prevent exploitation, protect victims and promote ethical practices across the sector.