Modern Slavery Statement for Waste Disposal Battersea

Waste Disposal Battersea is committed to conducting all aspects of its business in an ethical, responsible and transparent manner. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our approach to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. It applies to all employees, contractors, agency staff and suppliers engaged by Waste Disposal Battersea.

Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery

We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, child labour and exploitation. We will not knowingly engage with any organisation or individual involved in such practices. This commitment is embedded in our internal policies, employment procedures and supplier expectations, and is regularly reinforced through management communications and training.

All staff are expected to act with integrity and to uphold our standards at all times. Any breach of this policy by employees may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Any breach by suppliers or contractors may result in the termination of contracts and notification to appropriate authorities where necessary.

Our Operations and Supply Chains

Waste Disposal Battersea provides waste collection, disposal and recycling services to commercial and household customers. Our operations rely on a network of suppliers that may include waste transfer stations, recycling facilities, equipment manufacturers, personal protective equipment providers, vehicle maintenance services and labour agencies.

We recognise that certain parts of the waste management and logistics sectors, as well as extended supply chains for equipment and materials, may present heightened risks of labour exploitation. We therefore work to identify and mitigate these risks through due diligence, contractual controls and ongoing engagement with suppliers.

Supplier Standards and Audit Process

We expect all suppliers to uphold the same high standards that we apply to ourselves. As part of our onboarding and renewal processes, key suppliers are required to confirm that they comply with applicable labour, employment and human rights laws and that they have measures in place to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking.

Our contracts and purchase terms include obligations relating to ethical labour practices, transparency of recruitment methods, prohibition of fees being charged to workers, fair working conditions and the right to freely terminate employment in line with legal requirements. Suppliers are required to cooperate with any audit or information request that Waste Disposal Battersea may reasonably conduct in order to verify compliance.

We carry out risk-based supplier audits which may involve document reviews, questionnaires and, where appropriate, site visits. Where non-compliance or areas of concern are identified, we work with the supplier to agree corrective actions and timeframes. Failure to address serious or persistent issues may result in suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

We encourage all employees, agency workers, contractors and suppliers to report any concerns related to modern slavery or unethical labour practices, whether within our own operations or in our supply chain. Concerns may be raised with line managers, senior management, or via our dedicated whistleblowing channel.

Reports can be made confidentially and will be treated seriously, promptly and sensitively. We do not tolerate any form of retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith. Where appropriate, we will investigate allegations thoroughly and take action, which may include reporting to law enforcement or regulatory bodies.

Training and Awareness

Relevant employees, particularly those involved in procurement, contract management, site supervision and human resources, receive training on recognising the signs of modern slavery and understanding our reporting procedures. We periodically refresh this training and update materials to reflect evolving best practice and any changes in legislation.

We also seek to raise awareness among our suppliers by clearly communicating our expectations and, where necessary, offering guidance on improving their own policies and procedures.

Monitoring, Governance and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery sits with the senior management team of Waste Disposal Battersea. They are accountable for ensuring that effective policies, procedures and controls are in place and that they are implemented across our operations.

We review this Modern Slavery Statement annually to assess the effectiveness of our measures, to reflect any changes in our business structure or supply chain, and to respond to updates in legislation or guidance. As part of this review, we consider audit findings, reported concerns, training outcomes and feedback from stakeholders to identify areas for improvement.

By publishing this statement, Waste Disposal Battersea reaffirms its commitment to preventing modern slavery in all its forms and to continually improving our practices to safeguard the rights and dignity of all workers connected with our business.