Accessibility Statement — Where Is The Rubbish

This Accessibility Statement explains how the Where Is The Rubbish service approaches inclusive design for everyone who uses the rubbish map, rubbish locator and the broader Where Is The Rubbish area. We aim to meet the WCAG 2.1 AA compliance standard as a baseline and continuously improve. The overview below describes the steps we take to support people who rely on assistive technologies.

We design pages for compatibility with common screen readers and other assistive tools. Our markup follows semantic structure, heading order, and ARIA where necessary to boost screen-reader support and clarity. Where Is The Rubbish content is checked for meaningful alternative text, programmatic labels, and logical reading order to reduce ambiguity for users of screen readers and speech output.

Keyboard navigation is a core focus for the WhereIsTheRubbish site and the Where Is The Rubbish area features. We ensure that all interactive components are reachable and operable using a keyboard alone, with visible focus indicators and a consistent tab sequence. Controls that open maps, lists, or filters can be operated via Enter and Space, and we avoid keyboard traps that prevent users from navigating away.

The site adopts accessible color contrast ratios, resizable text that respects browser settings, and flexible layouts to accommodate magnification and screen magnifiers. We regularly test with a range of assistive technologies and device sizes to validate our approaches and to reduce barriers across the rubbish locator experience. Where Is The Rubbish area content is structured to be predictable and perceivable.

To support diverse needs we provide clear labeling and instructions for map tools and search features. When interactive maps are present, we provide keyboard-accessible alternatives and text-based lists of locations so that people who cannot use pointer-based maps can still access the same information. Typical provisions include:

Key accessibility features:

• Semantic headings and landmarks for easy navigation
• High contrast and scalable typography for readability
• Clear focus states and keyboard operability for controls

We perform automated and manual testing against WCAG 2.1 AA success criteria, including checks for text alternatives, keyboard functionality, and content structure. Manual testing includes keyboard-only navigation, screen-reader walkthroughs, and visual inspections for contrast and layout. We use assistive technology testing as part of development sprints so that accessibility is integrated into feature design, not an afterthought.

Some content, tools, or third-party embeds used in the rubbish map service may not yet fully conform to every WCAG criterion. Where we rely on third-party components, we work with vendors to resolve issues. If you encounter a specific barrier while using the Where Is The Rubbish site or the rubbish locator tools, we want to hear about it so we can prioritize fixes. Accessibility is an ongoing commitment and we publish updates as we make progress.

If you need an alternative format of content or assistance using interactive map tools, please submit an accessibility request via the site’s accessibility channel. We will respond in a timely manner and provide information or formats that meet your needs. Requests may include: text transcripts for audio, simplified content, or step-by-step keyboard guidance for map functions.

We maintain an accessibility governance practice that includes periodic reviews, user testing with assistive technology, and training for product teams so that the Where Is The Rubbish area remains accessible as it evolves. Our commitment is to remove barriers and to make the rubbish map and related pages usable, perceivable, and operable for as many people as possible.

To report an accessibility issue or to request accessible content, use the accessibility request option available on the site. We will acknowledge requests, provide timelines for remedies where possible, and explain any limitations. We aim to be transparent about progress and to prioritize fixes that impact the greatest number of users.

Thank you for helping improve accessibility. We welcome insights into how the Where Is The Rubbish service can better serve people with diverse abilities and will continue to align with best practices and the WCAG 2.1 AA standard.