Modern Slavery Statement for Rubbish Collection Richmond

Rubbish Collection Richmond is committed to conducting all aspects of our waste and recycling operations in a manner that respects human rights and upholds the highest ethical standards. This Modern Slavery Statement explains our approach to identifying, preventing, and addressing modern slavery and human trafficking risks within our business and supply chains.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery

We have a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, human trafficking, child labour, and any form of servitude or exploitation. This policy applies to every level of our organisation, from management to frontline operational teams, and extends to all third parties who supply goods or services to Rubbish Collection Richmond.

All employees, contractors, and suppliers are expected to act in line with our values of integrity, fairness, and respect. We do not accept, excuse, or overlook any practices that are inconsistent with these values, regardless of commercial pressures or market conditions. Where we identify any concerns, our commitment is to act promptly, transparently, and decisively.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Rubbish Collection Richmond operates in the waste collection, recycling, and related environmental services sector. Our supply chains include providers of vehicles and equipment, personal protective equipment, fuel and maintenance services, recycling and disposal facilities, and various professional and support services.

We understand that modern slavery risks may be present at different tiers in the supply chain, particularly where labour-intensive processes or complex sourcing arrangements exist. We therefore aim to maintain visibility over key suppliers and encourage responsible practices throughout the chain.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

We undertake reasonable and proportionate due diligence on suppliers before engagement and on a periodic basis thereafter. As part of supplier onboarding and renewal, we assess ethical standards, labour practices, and compliance with applicable laws, including those relating to modern slavery and human trafficking.

Suppliers are required to confirm that they do not tolerate modern slavery in their operations and that they, in turn, expect the same from their own suppliers. We reserve the right to conduct audits of suppliers where we identify heightened risk or where concerns are raised. These audits may involve document reviews, site visits, and confidential worker interviews, as appropriate.

If a supplier is found to be in breach of our standards on modern slavery, we will seek corrective actions within a clear timeframe. Where remediation is not possible or cooperation is not forthcoming, we may suspend or terminate the relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage all employees, contractors, suppliers, and members of the public to report any suspicion of modern slavery or unethical labour practices linked to our operations or supply chains. Concerns can be raised through management channels, human resources, or via our confidential whistleblowing arrangements.

Reports can be made anonymously where permitted by law and will be handled sensitively and without fear of retaliation. We will investigate all credible allegations thoroughly and, where appropriate, involve relevant authorities. Our focus is both on addressing any immediate risks to individuals and on preventing recurrence.

Training and Awareness

Rubbish Collection Richmond provides training and guidance to relevant staff to help them recognise the signs of modern slavery and understand the correct procedures for raising concerns. Procurement, contract management, and operational teams receive enhanced awareness so they can identify risk indicators in supplier practices and worker conditions.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by our leadership team to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with evolving legal requirements and best practice. As part of this annual review, we assess the effectiveness of our due diligence, audit findings, training programmes, and reporting mechanisms.

Where we identify opportunities to strengthen our controls or improve our response to emerging risks, we will update our policies, procedures, and training accordingly. We are committed to ongoing improvement and to working collaboratively with suppliers, partners, and stakeholders to help eradicate modern slavery from our industry and wider community.

This statement reflects the position of Rubbish Collection Richmond as at the date of publication and will be updated each year to report on progress and any significant developments in our approach.