Modern Slavery Statement — Business Waste Removal Merton
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the commitment of Business Waste Removal Merton and affiliated teams to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking and forced labour within our operations and supply chain. We are committed to a zero-tolerance policy on all forms of modern slavery and exploitation, and this declaration outlines the steps we take to detect, deter and remediate any such risks in our commercial waste removal services in Merton and surrounding areas.
We provide commercial and municipal waste solutions across the borough, and our approach to ethical procurement underpins every contract award and contractor engagement. Our commitment to responsible waste management and to workers’ rights is reflected in policies, training and monitoring. The statement applies to all people engaged directly and indirectly by Merton business waste removal operations.
Our core principles include transparency, accountability and continuous improvement. We require that any supplier providing business waste collection, haulage, recycling or disposal services to Business Waste Removal Merton adheres to our standards. These standards prohibit forced labour, debt bondage, involuntary servitude and any form of child labour, and are embedded in contracts and tenders for both local and regional commercial waste removal contracts.
Zero-Tolerance Policy and Internal Controls
We enforce a zero-tolerance policy across all departments, from waste collection teams to contract management. Employees and subcontractors are required to comply with our code of conduct and to complete mandatory training covering ethical recruitment, indicators of exploitation, and the reporting process. Managers conduct regular briefings to ensure that operational pressure does not lead to corners being cut on labour standards.
Supplier Due Diligence and Audits
All suppliers engaged by Business Waste Removal Merton must pass a vetting process that includes labour rights checks, payroll verification and proof of legal working status. We operate a risk-based audit programme that focuses on high-risk suppliers such as third-party transport contractors and on-site manual sorting facilities. Audits include documentary review and on-site inspections, with corrective action plans required where gaps are identified.
Our supplier audits and contract clauses demand that subcontractors maintain clear recruitment records, provide appropriate personal protective equipment, and ensure that workers are free to terminate employment. Where independent audits reveal potential modern slavery indicators, we suspend new work with the supplier until satisfactory remediation is implemented.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
We provide multiple internal reporting channels so that workers, suppliers and members of the public can report concerns confidentially and without fear of retaliation. Reports may be escalated through line managers, a designated compliance officer or an anonymous hotline. Our procedures include prompt investigation, support for affected workers and collaboration with relevant authorities where criminal conduct is suspected.
To encourage transparency, we publish an outline of our investigative process to demonstrate how reports are handled. We protect whistleblowers and provide access to independent legal and welfare resources for vulnerable individuals identified through reports related to commercial waste removal activities in Merton and the wider region.
Our response framework includes immediate safety assessments, remedial actions such as repatriation or medical support where required, and contractual remedies including termination for non-compliant suppliers. We also work with NGOs and local agencies to support survivors and to strengthen community-level prevention.
Monitoring, Training and Annual Review
We monitor performance through key performance indicators, audit outcomes and the number and resolution of reports received. Training is refreshed annually for all staff involved in procurement, site supervision and transport logistics. The training emphasises how to recognise the signs of exploitation within waste management settings and the legal obligations of employers and contractors.
We commit to an annual review of this statement and associated policies to evaluate effectiveness, incorporate stakeholder feedback and respond to evolving risks in the waste sector. The review includes analysis of audit trends, corrective actions taken and improvements to supplier controls across Merton business waste services.
Through these measures — clear policy, rigorous supplier audits, safe reporting channels and a regular review cycle — Business Waste Removal Merton seeks to ensure that our business and our supply chain are free from modern slavery and exploitation. We will continue to strengthen our practices to protect workers and uphold the highest ethical standards in commercial and residential waste removal across Merton.
