Modern Slavery Statement for Commercial Waste Hoddesdon

Commercial Waste Hoddesdon is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all areas of our operations. We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any form of slavery, forced labour, servitude, or human trafficking across our business and supply chains. This statement sets out our policies, expectations and the actions we take to identify and address any risks in our services for waste management across Hoddesdon and surrounding areas.

Our commitment applies to all colleagues, contractors and suppliers engaged by Commercial Waste in Hoddesdon, and to anyone working on our behalf. We recognise that the waste management sector can be vulnerable to exploitation, and we proactively work to reduce risk through strong procurement controls, staff training and clear contractual terms. Ethical sourcing and worker protections are central to our values.

Zero-tolerance policy: we operate a clear, enforced policy that prohibits modern slavery in any form. Any evidence or credible allegation of exploitation, coercion or trafficking will result in immediate investigation and, where substantiated, termination of relationships and referral to the appropriate authorities. We require all business units and partners to comply with this standard, and expect full transparency from those who supply goods or services to our organisation.

Policies, Controls and Supplier Expectations

Our procurement and contract procedures include mandatory clauses requiring suppliers to comply with anti-slavery laws and to allow audits. We expect suppliers providing commercial waste services in Hoddesdon to demonstrate how they prevent exploitation in recruitment, payroll and labour practices. Contracts include the right to request documentation and to suspend or terminate agreements where risks are identified.

Supplier audits and due diligence

We perform targeted supplier audits and risk-based due diligence. Key elements include:

• Risk assessment: periodic review of supplier risk by geography, labour intensity and subcontracting practices.
• On-site audits: structured inspections and interviews with workers where appropriate.
• Document checks: verification of payroll records, worker IDs and contractual terms for subcontractors.

Audits are supplemented by self-assessment questionnaires and corrective action plans. Suppliers are required to respond to findings within defined timeframes and demonstrate remediation. Our supplier management team engages with partners offering training and resources to improve labour standards in the local waste-handling supply chain.

Reporting channels and worker protections

We maintain multiple secure reporting channels for staff and third parties to raise concerns. Reports may be made anonymously where desired and are treated confidentially. Protected whistleblowing mechanisms ensure there is no retaliation against those who report suspected modern slavery, and we investigate all credible allegations promptly and thoroughly.

Remediation and cooperation: where exploitation is identified we prioritise victim safety and legal compliance, working with specialist agencies and law enforcement where required. We will take proportionate action against suppliers who fail to meet our standards, including contract termination and referral for prosecution when necessary.

Annual review and continuous improvement: Commercial Waste Hoddesdon conducts an annual review of this statement, our policies and the effectiveness of our controls. The review considers audit outcomes, reported incidents, supplier performance and evolving legal requirements. Findings inform updated risk assessments, training programmes and procurement practices to strengthen prevention and detection of modern slavery across our Hoddesdon commercial waste operations.