Modern Slavery Statement for Waste Disposal Richmond

Waste Disposal Richmond is committed to conducting all aspects of our operations in an ethical, responsible, and lawful manner. This Modern Slavery Statement explains the steps we take to identify, prevent, and address the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking within our business and supply chains. It applies to all employees, contractors, and suppliers engaged by Waste Disposal Richmond.

Modern slavery encompasses slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, debt bondage, child labour, and human trafficking. We recognise that these abuses can occur in any sector or country and we are committed to doing everything reasonably practicable to ensure they have no place in our organisation or our supply chains.

Zero-Tolerance Policy

Waste Disposal Richmond has a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. We do not tolerate, under any circumstances, the use of forced, bonded, or involuntary labour or any form of exploitation in our own operations or those of our suppliers. All workers must be employed voluntarily, receive fair pay for work performed, and have freedom of movement and the right to terminate their employment in accordance with applicable laws and contracts.

Our zero-tolerance policy is communicated to all employees as part of our onboarding and ongoing training. It is also communicated to our suppliers and contractors as a condition of doing business with us. Any breach of this policy may lead to disciplinary action, including termination of employment or contracts, and may be reported to the relevant authorities.

Risk Assessment and Supplier Due Diligence

We recognise that the nature of waste management services, including transport, sorting, treatment, and recycling, can involve complex supply chains and subcontracted work. To address these risks, we conduct risk assessments which consider factors such as geography, sector, type of labour used, and the nature of services or products supplied.

Before entering into new supplier relationships, we undertake due diligence to assess their labour practices and ethical standards. This includes reviewing relevant policies, asking targeted questions about workforce management, and seeking evidence that suppliers comply with labour laws and respect human rights. Existing suppliers are periodically re-assessed to ensure ongoing compliance.

Supplier Audits and Monitoring

Supplier audits play a key role in our efforts to prevent and detect modern slavery within our supply chains. Based on our risk assessment, we may conduct audits of suppliers either remotely or on site. These audits may cover recruitment practices, employment documentation, wage records, working hours, health and safety conditions, and worker interviews where appropriate.

Where non-conformances or concerns are identified, we work collaboratively with suppliers to develop corrective action plans with clear timelines. In serious or persistent cases of non-compliance, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate the business relationship. We also expect our first-tier suppliers to apply similar standards and oversight to their own supply chains.

Reporting Channels and Protection

Waste Disposal Richmond encourages all employees, contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any concerns or suspicions regarding modern slavery or unethical labour practices. Concerns can be raised via line managers, the Human Resources team, or through our confidential reporting channels, which allow individuals to raise issues in good faith without fear of retaliation.

We treat all reports seriously and investigate them promptly, fairly, and sensitively. Where necessary, we will cooperate with law enforcement and relevant agencies. We are committed to protecting anyone who raises a concern from victimisation or detrimental treatment as a result of speaking up.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We provide training and guidance to relevant employees to enhance awareness of modern slavery risks and how to identify and respond to potential indicators. Particular attention is given to staff involved in procurement, contract management, and site operations. We strive to continuously improve our approach by learning from audits, investigations, industry guidance, and stakeholder feedback.

Annual Review and Statement Approval

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and reflective of our evolving business and risk profile. As part of the review process, we evaluate the effectiveness of our risk assessments, supplier audits, training, and reporting procedures, and identify opportunities for improvement.

The updated statement is approved by the senior leadership of Waste Disposal Richmond and communicated internally and externally as appropriate. By maintaining this structured and transparent approach, we aim to minimise the risk of modern slavery in our operations and supply chains and uphold our responsibilities to workers, customers, and the communities we serve.