Accessibility Statement for Waste Collection Kingston upon Thames

This Accessibility Statement explains how we work to make waste collection information and services in Kingston upon Thames accessible and easy to use for as many people as possible. We aim to provide clear guidance on household waste, recycling, and special collections in a way that supports residents with different access needs.

Our Accessibility Commitment

We are committed to meeting the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1, level AA. These guidelines describe how to make digital content more accessible for people with disabilities, including people who use assistive technologies. Our goal is to provide a consistent and inclusive online experience for everyone who needs information on waste collection in Kingston upon Thames.

Scope of this Statement

This statement covers the main online information and forms that relate to waste collection and recycling services in Kingston upon Thames. This includes regular refuse collection, food waste, garden waste, bulky waste, and clinical or assisted collections. It applies to the core content and features that residents commonly use to understand services, request collections, and find guidance on disposing of different types of waste.

WCAG 2.1 AA Compliance

We aim for our online waste collection content to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards. This includes providing sufficient colour contrast, ensuring text is readable at different screen sizes, and avoiding content that flashes or moves in a way that can cause discomfort. We work to ensure that headings, labels, and instructions are clear so that residents can quickly find the information they need about accessible waste collection in Kingston upon Thames.

Screen Reader Support

Our pages are designed to work with screen readers used by people who are blind or have low vision. We use descriptive headings, meaningful link text, and alternative text for important images where they convey essential information. We aim to ensure that page content reads in a logical order, so that users of screen readers can understand service details such as collection days, container types, and how to arrange assisted collections.

Keyboard Navigation

We design our online services so that they can be navigated using a keyboard alone, without the need for a mouse. This helps people who use alternative input devices or who have mobility or motor impairments. Users can move through menus, forms, and content areas using standard keyboard commands. We aim to maintain a visible focus indicator so that you can clearly see where you are on the page while navigating information about waste collection in Kingston upon Thames.

Text Clarity and Readability

We use plain, straightforward language wherever possible to describe waste collection services. Instructions are split into clear steps for tasks such as checking collection days, reporting a missed collection, booking a bulky waste pickup, or requesting extra support. We avoid unnecessary jargon so that residents can understand their options quickly, including those who may be using translation tools or reading support software.

Continuous Improvement

Accessibility is an ongoing process. We regularly review and update our waste collection pages to improve structure, labelling, and compatibility with assistive technologies. When new features or forms are added, we take accessibility into account during design and testing. Feedback from residents and organisations in Kingston upon Thames plays an important role in helping us identify and fix issues that may affect access.

Contact for Accessibility Requests

If you have difficulty accessing information about waste collection in Kingston upon Thames, or if you need information in a different format, you can contact us. We can provide details in large print, easy read, audio, or other formats where possible. You can also ask for help with completing online forms or understanding your collection options.

To make an accessibility request, please contact our customer service team and explain what you need and which part of the waste collection information you are trying to access. We will review your request and aim to respond as quickly as possible, advising you of the support and alternative formats available.

Reporting Accessibility Problems

We welcome feedback on the accessibility of our waste collection information and services in Kingston upon Thames. If you find any accessibility problems that are not mentioned in this statement, or if you think we are not meeting accessibility requirements, please let us know. Your feedback helps us improve how we present information and deliver accessible waste collection services for all residents.