Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is made by Waste Collection Wimbledon for the financial year ending 31 December 2025. It sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our operations and supply chains.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Waste Collection Wimbledon provides commercial and residential waste collection, recycling, and related environmental services across Wimbledon and surrounding areas. Our activities rely on a network of suppliers and contractors, including providers of vehicles, containers, personal protective equipment, facilities management, and outsourced services such as cleaning and maintenance.

We recognise that risks of modern slavery can arise at multiple points in these supply chains, particularly where there is reliance on low-paid labour, temporary workers, subcontracting, or international sourcing of goods and materials. We are committed to ensuring that the people who work directly for us and those who contribute to our services through our suppliers are treated with dignity and respect.

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery

We operate a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation in any form. This policy applies to all employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers engaged by Waste Collection Wimbledon.

No commercial objective, cost saving, or operational pressure will ever justify the use of forced, bonded, or involuntary labour. We expect all those who work with us or on our behalf to share and uphold this commitment. Where we identify actual or suspected modern slavery, we will act promptly, decisively, and in a way that protects affected individuals and addresses root causes.

Supplier Standards and Audits

Our supplier relationships are governed by contractual requirements that include adherence to all applicable labour and human rights laws. We expect suppliers to maintain fair recruitment practices, prohibit recruitment fees, ensure workers have freedom of movement, and respect their right to leave employment in line with contractual and legal requirements.

We carry out risk-based due diligence on new suppliers, giving particular attention to sectors, geographies, and service types that may carry heightened risk of labour exploitation. Where appropriate, we conduct audits or request evidence to verify compliance with our standards. These activities may include site visits, review of employment records, workforce interviews, and scrutiny of subcontracting arrangements.

If a supplier is unable or unwilling to meet our requirements, we will seek to work with them to implement corrective actions within a defined timescale. Persistent non-compliance, or refusal to address concerns, may result in suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Protection

All employees, agency workers, and contractors of Waste Collection Wimbledon are encouraged to report any concerns about potential modern slavery or human trafficking. Concerns may include suspicious recruitment practices, withholding of identity documents, threats or intimidation, or signs that individuals are not free to leave their employment.

Reports can be made to line managers, senior management, or directly to the designated modern slavery contact within our organisation. We also maintain confidential reporting channels that allow concerns to be raised without fear of retaliation. Reports will be treated seriously, investigated promptly, and, where appropriate, escalated to relevant authorities or specialist organisations.

We do not tolerate victimisation or any adverse treatment of individuals who raise concerns in good faith, whether or not those concerns are ultimately substantiated.

Training and Awareness

We provide training and guidance to relevant employees, particularly those involved in procurement, contract management, and frontline operations, to help them recognise signs of modern slavery and understand how to respond. Awareness materials are communicated to reinforce our zero-tolerance stance and the importance of vigilance in day-to-day activities.

Monitoring, Governance, and Annual Review

Responsibility for implementing and monitoring this Modern Slavery Statement rests with the senior management team of Waste Collection Wimbledon. We review our policies, supplier controls, and reporting mechanisms on a regular basis to ensure they remain effective and proportionate to the risks we face.

This Statement will be reviewed and updated at least annually, or more frequently if required by changes in legislation, guidance, or our operational structure. Each annual review will consider any incidents reported, outcomes of supplier audits, feedback from employees and stakeholders, and developments in best practice. Where necessary, we will strengthen our procedures to enhance prevention, detection, and response to modern slavery risks.

By publishing this Statement, Waste Collection Wimbledon reaffirms its commitment to ethical conduct, respect for human rights, and continuous improvement in safeguarding people throughout our operations and supply chains.