Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement 2025

Waste Disposal Islington is committed to conducting all aspects of its business in an ethical and responsible manner. We recognise our duty to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our own operations and throughout our supply chain. This statement sets out the steps we are taking to identify, prevent, and address modern slavery risks in connection with our waste management and related services.

Modern slavery is a severe violation of fundamental human rights and is completely incompatible with our values of integrity, respect, and accountability. We are committed to continuous improvement in our approach to managing these risks and to working collaboratively with staff, suppliers, contractors, and other stakeholders to drive high standards of ethical conduct.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

We operate a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. This means we will not knowingly engage with any individual, contractor, or organisation that is involved in or benefits from any form of modern slavery, including forced labour, debt bondage, child labour, or servitude.

All employees, managers, and directors of Waste Disposal Islington are required to support this policy. Any form of complicity, disregard, or deliberate ignorance of modern slavery indicators is treated as a serious breach of our standards and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal or contract termination. We expect all personnel to act promptly if they have concerns that someone may be at risk.

Our Supply Chain and Supplier Audits

As a waste disposal and environmental services provider, our supply chain includes subcontracted transport and collections, recycling and treatment partners, equipment and vehicle suppliers, maintenance contractors, and providers of protective clothing and consumables. We recognise that modern slavery risks can exist at multiple tiers, particularly where work is low paid, outsourced, or involves migrant or temporary workers.

To address these risks, we are strengthening our supplier due diligence and audit processes. New suppliers are assessed against our ethical and labour standards before engagement. This includes requiring acceptance of our zero-tolerance position on modern slavery and the inclusion of contractual clauses that permit us to investigate suspected breaches and terminate agreements where necessary.

We are developing a risk-based audit programme that prioritises higher-risk categories of suppliers and contractors. These audits may include requesting evidence of right-to-work checks, reviewing recruitment and subcontracting practices, verifying wage and working hour records where appropriate, and assessing access to grievance and whistleblowing channels. We expect suppliers to extend similar expectations to their own subcontractors and to demonstrate active management of modern slavery risks.

Reporting Concerns and Protection for Whistleblowers

Waste Disposal Islington encourages anyone connected with our operations, including employees, agency staff, contractors, and suppliers, to report any concerns related to modern slavery promptly. Potential indicators include threats, restriction of movement, retention of identity documents, unexplained deductions from pay, or signs of coercion or exploitation.

Reports can be made directly to line managers, senior management, or through our confidential whistleblowing channels. Individuals raising concerns will be treated with respect and sensitivity. We will not tolerate any form of victimisation, retaliation, or disadvantage against anyone who makes a report in good faith or assists with an investigation, even if concerns are ultimately not substantiated.

All allegations will be investigated thoroughly and, where appropriate, referred to the relevant authorities. We will collaborate with law enforcement and specialist organisations to ensure that any victims are safeguarded and supported.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We are progressively introducing training for employees, with a focus on managers, supervisors, procurement teams, and those working directly with subcontractors. This training covers the nature of modern slavery, signs to look out for, appropriate reporting channels, and our internal policies. We also communicate our expectations to suppliers and partners so that modern slavery prevention becomes a shared responsibility.

We monitor the effectiveness of our measures by reviewing reports received, outcomes of supplier audits, and feedback from staff and stakeholders. Where gaps or new risks are identified, we update our procedures and controls accordingly. Our aim is to embed modern slavery awareness into day-to-day decision-making across the organisation.

Governance and Annual Review

Responsibility for implementing this statement and overseeing our modern slavery risk management sits with senior management at Waste Disposal Islington. They are accountable for ensuring that adequate resources, training, and oversight are in place to support our commitments.

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement will be reviewed, evaluated, and updated at least once every year. The annual review will consider changes in legislation, evolving best practice, audit findings, and any incidents or concerns raised. Updated versions of the statement will reflect our progress, lessons learned, and new measures introduced to strengthen our approach.

By maintaining a clear zero-tolerance stance, auditing our suppliers, providing accessible reporting channels, and committing to annual review, Waste Disposal Islington aims to play a proactive role in the elimination of modern slavery and the protection of vulnerable individuals in all areas of our business and supply chain.