Modern Slavery Statement for Rubbish Collection Elephant and Castle

Rubbish Collection Elephant and Castle is committed to conducting all aspects of our business in an ethical and responsible manner. This Modern Slavery Statement explains the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. It applies to all employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers engaged by Rubbish Collection Elephant and Castle.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

We operate a clear and uncompromising zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour. Any form of exploitation is fundamentally incompatible with our values and the way we deliver waste management and collection services. We expect the same high standards from everyone we work with, regardless of location, size, or function within the supply chain.

All staff are required to act with integrity and to remain alert to the risks and warning signs of modern slavery in our industry, particularly in areas that may involve manual labour, cleaning, logistics, and outsourced services. Any concern, however small, must be reported and will be taken seriously.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Rubbish Collection Elephant and Castle provides rubbish removal, recycling, and related services to households, businesses, and organisations. Our supply chain includes providers of vehicles, fuel, equipment, uniforms, maintenance, waste processing facilities, and temporary labour. We recognise that certain parts of the waste and recycling sector and related service industries can be at higher risk of labour exploitation, and we are committed to identifying and reducing these risks.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We require all suppliers and contractors to comply with applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws and to uphold standards that are consistent with our zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery. When selecting and onboarding suppliers, we assess their commitment to ethical practices, including the prevention of forced and trafficked labour.

Our supplier due diligence process may include pre-engagement questionnaires, review of policies, and verification of right-to-work procedures. For higher-risk suppliers or categories, we reserve the right to carry out on-site audits, request additional documentation, and carry out interviews with relevant personnel. Where issues are identified, we will work with the supplier to establish corrective actions and timescales. If a supplier is unwilling or unable to meet our standards, we will consider terminating the relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage a culture where concerns about modern slavery can be raised openly, safely, and without fear of retaliation. All employees and workers can raise concerns in confidence with their line manager, a senior manager, or the designated HR contact. Concerns can be reported verbally or in writing and will be treated sensitively and investigated promptly.

We also expect our suppliers and their workers to speak up if they identify or suspect any form of modern slavery within our operations or their own. We will listen to all concerns raised in good faith and will take appropriate action, which may include cooperating with law enforcement or other authorities where there is evidence of criminal activity.

Training and Awareness

We provide appropriate training and guidance to managers and staff who are involved in procurement, supplier management, and frontline operations. Training is designed to help them understand what modern slavery is, how to recognise potential risks and indicators, and how to respond if they suspect exploitation. We keep our internal guidance under review to reflect changes in legislation, good practice, and the nature of our business.

Monitoring, Governance, and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery rests with the senior management of Rubbish Collection Elephant and Castle. They review reported concerns, audit outcomes, and any identified risks, and ensure that appropriate remedial actions are taken.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least once every 12 months to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with current legislation and best practice. As part of the annual review, we evaluate the effectiveness of our policies, supplier audits, training, and reporting channels, and we update our approach where necessary to further reduce the risk of modern slavery within our business and supply chains.

By maintaining this ongoing review and improvement process, Rubbish Collection Elephant and Castle aims to play a responsible role in tackling modern slavery and protecting the rights and dignity of all workers connected to our operations.