Modern Slavery Statement for Waste Collection Enfield

Waste Collection Enfield is committed to conducting its business with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to identify, mitigate, and address any risks of exploitation associated with our activities in waste collection, transport, and related services.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

We have a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, debt bondage, child labour and human trafficking. This applies to our own operations, our employees, and every organisation within our supply chains. No commercial objective, cost saving, or operational pressure will ever justify practices that compromise human dignity or breach applicable labour and human rights laws.

All colleagues, contractors, and suppliers are required to act in accordance with our values and to comply with relevant legislation, including modern slavery and human trafficking laws. Any breach of this policy will be treated as a serious matter, which may result in disciplinary action, termination of contracts, and, where appropriate, reporting to the relevant authorities.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Waste Collection Enfield provides waste collection and related environmental services to households, businesses, and public sector organisations. Our supply chains include providers of vehicles, equipment, containers, protective clothing, fuel, maintenance, cleaning, subcontracted labour, and support services.

We recognise that certain areas of our supply chains, such as subcontracted labour, temporary staffing, and the sourcing of uniforms, tools, and vehicle parts, may carry a higher risk of labour exploitation. We are committed to understanding and addressing these risks through clear standards, supplier engagement, and ongoing monitoring.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We expect all suppliers and contractors to meet high ethical standards and to comply with labour, health and safety, and human rights legislation. Our procurement processes incorporate due diligence checks designed to identify and assess the risk of modern slavery. New suppliers are assessed on their labour practices and their ability to demonstrate effective controls against exploitation.

Where appropriate, we conduct supplier audits to verify compliance with our standards. These audits may include site visits, reviews of employment records and recruitment practices, and discussions with workers. If an audit identifies non-compliance or potential indicators of modern slavery, we work with the supplier to agree a corrective action plan and timescales. Failure to implement improvements or evidence serious violations may result in the suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Training, Awareness, and Reporting Channels

We provide guidance and training for relevant employees, including managers, supervisors, procurement teams, and those working closely with contractors and temporary workers. Training covers the definition and signs of modern slavery, risk factors in the waste management sector, and the process for raising concerns.

We encourage all employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers to speak up if they suspect any form of exploitation or unethical behaviour. Concerns can be raised through line managers, the human resources team, or our confidential reporting channels, which allow individuals to report issues without fear of retaliation. All reports are taken seriously, investigated promptly, and handled with sensitivity and, where possible, confidentiality.

Governance, Accountability, and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery rests with the senior management team of Waste Collection Enfield. They ensure that appropriate policies, procedures, and controls are in place and that these are effectively implemented across the business.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually to reflect changes in our operations, legal requirements, and best practice guidance. As part of this review, we evaluate the effectiveness of our controls, supplier audits, training programmes, and reporting mechanisms. We also consider feedback from stakeholders and lessons learned from any incidents or investigations.

Through continuous review and improvement, Waste Collection Enfield aims to strengthen its defences against modern slavery, support fair and safe working conditions, and contribute to the wider effort to eradicate exploitation from our industry and communities.