Modern Slavery Statement for Waste Removal Highbury

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Waste Removal Highbury has taken, and continues to take, to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking are not taking place within our business or our supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold human rights and to act ethically and with integrity in all of our operations and relationships.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Approach

Waste Removal Highbury operates a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking. This applies to every aspect of our business, from direct employees to subcontractors and suppliers involved in collection, transport, processing, and disposal of waste.

We are committed to conducting business in a way that respects the dignity and rights of every individual. Any breach or suspected breach of this policy is treated seriously and may lead to termination of contracts, disciplinary action, or reporting to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Our Business and Supply Chains

We provide waste removal and related environmental services to residential, commercial, and public sector clients. Our supply chains include providers of vehicles, equipment, personal protective equipment, recycling and disposal facilities, and labour agencies. We recognise that certain areas, such as outsourced labour and overseas manufacture of equipment and uniforms, may present higher risks of modern slavery.

To manage these risks, we work only with suppliers who demonstrate a commitment to ethical conduct, fair working conditions, and compliance with applicable labour and human rights legislation.

Supplier Standards and Audits

All key suppliers and subcontractors are required to confirm that they do not engage in, or tolerate, any form of modern slavery or human trafficking. Our standard terms of business include obligations relating to human rights, labour standards, and compliance with modern slavery legislation.

We conduct proportionate due diligence on suppliers, taking a risk-based approach that considers geography, sector, and the nature of goods or services provided. Where risk is identified, we undertake enhanced checks, which may include requests for detailed policy documentation, employment records, or evidence of supplier training.

Waste Removal Highbury reserves the right to conduct supplier audits, either remotely or on site, to verify compliance with our modern slavery expectations. Where non-compliance is identified, we expect timely and effective corrective actions. Repeated or serious breaches may result in termination of the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage all employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers to report any concerns related to modern slavery, human trafficking, or unethical labour practices. Concerns may include suspicious working conditions, withholding of identity documents, coercion, or signs that individuals are not free to leave their employment.

Reports can be made directly to line managers, senior management, or a designated safeguarding contact within the company. We also support anonymous reporting where appropriate and feasible. All reports are taken seriously, handled sensitively, and investigated promptly.

We will not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against any individual who raises a concern in good faith. Confidentiality will be respected to the fullest extent possible, and we will involve law enforcement or specialist support agencies where there is a risk to the safety or freedom of individuals.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

To support our zero-tolerance approach, we provide training and guidance to relevant staff, particularly those involved in procurement, contract management, and site supervision. Training covers indicators of modern slavery, how to raise concerns, and our expectations of suppliers.

We continually review our processes to strengthen our ability to detect and prevent modern slavery. This includes updating internal procedures, refining supplier questionnaires, and monitoring emerging risks in the waste and recycling sector and wider supply chains.

Monitoring, Annual Review, and Approval

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually to ensure it remains current, effective, and aligned with legal requirements and best practice. As part of the review, we evaluate the effectiveness of our due diligence, supplier audits, and reporting mechanisms, and identify areas for improvement.

Key findings and proposed actions from the annual review are reported to senior management, who are responsible for overseeing implementation and ensuring appropriate resources are allocated. Updates to this statement are approved at a senior level and communicated to employees and relevant suppliers.

By maintaining this robust framework, Waste Removal Highbury aims to play a meaningful part in the wider effort to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking from our industry and supply chains.