Rubbish Collection Crystal Palace Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Rubbish Collection Crystal Palace to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise that waste management and related services can involve complex supply chains, and we are committed to ensuring that all labour associated with our business is lawful, ethical, and freely chosen.

Modern slavery is a serious violation of human rights and includes slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, bonded labour, child labour that is exploitative or interferes with education, and human trafficking. Rubbish Collection Crystal Palace does not tolerate any form of modern slavery within our business or supply chains.

Our zero-tolerance policy on modern slavery

We operate a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. This policy applies to all employees, agency workers, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and any other parties who have a business relationship with Rubbish Collection Crystal Palace.

All staff are expected to act with integrity and in line with our values and policies. Our contracts and purchasing terms require that suppliers comply with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws, and that they do not engage in, or benefit from, any form of modern slavery. We reserve the right to terminate relationships with any party that is found to be involved in slavery, servitude, forced labour, or human trafficking.

Our supply chains and due diligence

Our supply chains include providers of vehicles, fuel, personal protective equipment, waste processing facilities, cleaning and maintenance services, and outsourced labour for specialist tasks. We recognise that some of these sectors may present higher risks, particularly where low-paid or migrant workers are involved.

We conduct due diligence on current and potential suppliers to assess their approach to labour rights and modern slavery. This includes evaluating their policies, asking targeted questions during vendor onboarding, and, where appropriate, requesting evidence of compliance with relevant legislation and recognised standards.

Supplier audits and ongoing monitoring

Rubbish Collection Crystal Palace carries out proportionate audits and reviews of selected suppliers, focusing on those operating in higher-risk sectors or locations. These audits may include site visits, interviews with management, and examination of employment records where this is appropriate and permitted.

We use audit findings to engage with suppliers on improving their practices. Where concerns are identified, we work with the supplier to agree corrective actions and timelines. Failure to make adequate improvements, or evidence of serious non-compliance, may result in suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Reporting channels and whistleblowing

We are committed to providing safe and accessible channels for raising concerns about modern slavery or unethical behaviour. Employees, contractors, and suppliers are encouraged to report any suspicions of forced labour, trafficking, or exploitation at the earliest opportunity.

Concerns can be raised directly with line managers, senior management, or through our dedicated reporting contact, which allows individuals to share information confidentially. We do not tolerate victimisation of anyone who raises a concern in good faith. All reports are taken seriously, investigated promptly, and handled sensitively, with appropriate remedial actions taken where necessary.

Training and awareness

We aim to ensure that relevant staff understand the risks of modern slavery and know how to identify and report potential issues. Training and guidance are provided for managers and employees involved in procurement, recruitment, and contract management, so that they can recognise warning signs and follow our reporting procedures.

Continuous improvement and annual review

Rubbish Collection Crystal Palace is committed to continually improving our approach to preventing modern slavery. We periodically review our policies, risk assessments, and due diligence processes to ensure they remain effective and proportionate to the risks in our operations and supply chains.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed and updated annually. The review considers any incidents reported, results of supplier audits, changes in legislation, and emerging best practice. Where necessary, we strengthen our controls, refine our supplier requirements, and enhance staff training to better protect workers from exploitation.

By publishing this statement, Rubbish Collection Crystal Palace reaffirms its commitment to operating responsibly, respecting human rights, and working towards the elimination of modern slavery in all forms within our sphere of influence.