Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Waste Collection Croydon is committed to conducting all aspects of its business in an ethical and responsible manner. This modern slavery and human trafficking statement sets out the steps we take to ensure that modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation have no place in our operations or in our supply chains.

We recognise that the waste management sector, including collection, processing, and associated services, can be exposed to risks of labour exploitation. We take these risks seriously and work proactively to identify, prevent, and address any potential issues.

Our Organisation and Supply Chain

Waste Collection Croydon provides waste collection and related services to households, businesses, and public sector clients within the Croydon area and surrounding communities. Our operations rely on a range of suppliers, including vehicle and equipment providers, maintenance contractors, personal protective equipment suppliers, agency labour providers, and facilities management contractors.

We expect all suppliers, contractors, and business partners to uphold the same high standards we apply to ourselves. This includes full compliance with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights legislation, and a clear commitment to preventing modern slavery in any form.

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery

We operate a strict zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. Any form of forced, bonded, or compulsory labour, servitude, or exploitation is wholly unacceptable. This applies to our own activities, our direct suppliers, and all organisations further down our supply chains.

Our zero-tolerance stance is reflected in our internal policies and supplier terms, which make clear that any identified instance of modern slavery may result in immediate corrective action, up to and including suspension or termination of contracts, as well as notification to the relevant authorities where appropriate.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

We conduct due diligence on current and prospective suppliers to assess their approach to labour standards and identify any potential modern slavery risks. This includes requesting information on their employment practices, use of subcontractors and agency workers, and their own policies and procedures relating to modern slavery.

Where we identify higher-risk activities or geographies, we may conduct additional checks and on-site audits. Supplier audits may include reviewing personnel records, right to work documentation, onboarding processes, worker accommodation where provided, and grievance mechanisms. We expect suppliers to cooperate fully with any such audits and to implement prompt rectification plans if areas for improvement are identified.

Suppliers are required to confirm that they do not use forced, trafficked, or exploited labour and that they cascade equivalent requirements to their own subcontractors and supply chain partners.

Training, Awareness, and Reporting Channels

We provide appropriate training and guidance to managers and relevant employees so they can recognise indicators of modern slavery and know how to respond. This includes awareness of signs of coercion, restriction of movement, withholding of documents, or other forms of exploitation in both our workforce and our supply chain.

We encourage all employees, contractors, and suppliers to report any concerns about modern slavery or unethical labour practices at the earliest opportunity. Concerns can be raised confidentially through internal reporting lines, directly to management, or via our whistleblowing arrangements. Reports may be made without fear of victimisation, and all allegations are treated seriously, investigated promptly, and addressed appropriately.

Monitoring, Governance, and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our modern slavery controls sits with our senior management team, which reviews risk assessments, audit outcomes, and any reported incidents. Where issues are identified, we take steps to remedy them and to strengthen our processes to prevent recurrence.

This statement and our supporting procedures are reviewed at least annually to ensure they remain effective, reflect current legal requirements, and respond to any changes in our operations or risk profile. As part of this review, we assess audit findings, supplier feedback, and internal reports, and we identify opportunities to improve training, due diligence, and engagement with suppliers.

Waste Collection Croydon is committed to continuous improvement in our efforts to combat modern slavery and human trafficking and to working collaboratively with employees, suppliers, and stakeholders to uphold the dignity and rights of all workers connected to our business.