Modern Slavery Statement for Waste Collection Kingston

Waste Collection Kingston is committed to conducting all aspects of its operations in a manner that respects human rights and protects the dignity and wellbeing of every individual. This Modern Slavery Statement outlines the steps we take to identify, prevent, and address modern slavery and human trafficking risks within our business and supply chains.

Our Policy and Zero-Tolerance Approach

We operate a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, debt bondage, child labour, and exploitation. This applies to our own operations and to every organisation that supplies goods or services to Waste Collection Kingston. We expect all staff, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers to support and uphold this commitment and to act in line with our ethical standards at all times.

Modern slavery is fundamentally incompatible with our values of integrity, safety, and respect. We will not knowingly work with any party involved in such practices and will take immediate action, including termination of contracts and notification of appropriate authorities, where credible concerns are identified.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Waste Collection Kingston provides waste collection, recycling, and related environmental services across local communities and commercial sectors. Our operations rely on employees, agency workers, subcontractors, equipment providers, and a range of suppliers, including vehicle maintenance, fuel, protective equipment, technology, and facilities services.

We recognise that modern slavery risks can exist at multiple tiers within these supply chains, particularly where services or materials originate from higher risk sectors or jurisdictions. We therefore seek to work with suppliers who demonstrate transparent labour practices and strong governance arrangements.

Supplier Standards and Audits

All new suppliers are assessed against our ethical sourcing and labour standards, which explicitly prohibit modern slavery and human trafficking. We require suppliers to comply with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws and to cascade equivalent expectations to their own subcontractors and supply chains.

Our supplier management approach includes risk-based due diligence and monitoring. For higher risk suppliers or sectors, we may undertake further checks such as detailed questionnaires, requests for documented policies, and evidence of worker protections. Where appropriate, we conduct audits that may include site visits, interviews with management and workers, and review of employment records.

If a supplier is found to be in breach of our requirements, we will work with them to establish an immediate corrective action plan. If meaningful improvement cannot be demonstrated within agreed timeframes, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate the commercial relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage anyone connected to Waste Collection Kingston, including employees, agency staff, contractors, and members of the public, to report concerns about possible modern slavery or unethical labour practices. Reports can be made through internal management channels, our human resources team, or designated senior managers responsible for compliance and ethics.

We operate a no victimisation principle. Individuals raising concerns in good faith will not face retaliation or disadvantage, even if their concerns are not substantiated following investigation. All reports are treated seriously, reviewed promptly, and, where appropriate, investigated confidentially. Where there is evidence of modern slavery, we will cooperate fully with law enforcement and other relevant authorities.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

Relevant employees, particularly those involved in procurement, contract management, and frontline supervision, receive training to help them recognise indicators of modern slavery and understand how to respond to potential risks. We promote awareness of modern slavery issues within our organisation and encourage open discussion about ethical conduct in our supply chains.

We are committed to continuously improving our processes, drawing on emerging guidance, industry best practice, and the lessons learned from our own due diligence activities and supplier engagements.

Governance and Annual Review

This Modern Slavery Statement is approved by the senior leadership of Waste Collection Kingston, who hold ultimate responsibility for ensuring its effective implementation. The statement and our associated procedures are reviewed at least annually, or more frequently if required by changes in legislation, operations, or risk profile.

As part of this annual review, we assess the effectiveness of our actions, including supplier audits, risk assessments, training, and reporting mechanisms. We use this evaluation to set objectives for the coming year and to refine our approach to preventing and addressing modern slavery within our business and supply chains.

Waste Collection Kingston remains firmly committed to maintaining respectful, fair, and safe working conditions and to playing an active role in eradicating modern slavery in all its forms.