Accessibility Statement for Waste Collection Hammersmith Website

Waste Collection Hammersmith is committed to making our online information and digital services accessible and usable for everyone in the Hammersmith area, including people with disabilities and those using assistive technologies. This accessibility statement explains our current approach, the standards we aim to meet, and how you can contact us if you have any difficulty using our website.

Our Commitment to Inclusive Waste Collection Information

We want residents, businesses, and visitors in Hammersmith to be able to find information about accessible waste collection services without facing digital barriers. Our goal is for all users to perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with our website regardless of technology or ability. We are continually improving the user experience to ensure that information about collections, recycling, and related services is clear and reachable to as many people as possible.

Standards and WCAG 2.1 AA Compliance

Our website is being developed and improved with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 at level AA in mind. These internationally recognised guidelines define how to make web content more accessible for people with a diverse range of needs, including visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments. While we strive to meet WCAG 2.1 AA across our site, some legacy pages or documents may not yet fully comply. We are reviewing these areas and working towards improving them, prioritising core information about waste collection in Hammersmith.

Support for Screen Readers and Assistive Technologies

The site is designed to be compatible with common screen readers and other assistive technologies. We use meaningful headings, descriptive page titles, and clear text labels so that users can understand the structure and purpose of each page. Images that convey information are provided with alternative text to support users who rely on audio output. Where icons or graphical elements are used, we aim to ensure that they do not contain information that is only available visually. Our intention is that people using screen readers can easily locate details such as collection days, service options, and contact information for waste collection in the Hammersmith area.

Keyboard Navigation and Logical Page Structure

We recognise that many users navigate without a mouse. Our pages are designed so that you can move through the site using only a keyboard, typically by using the Tab, Shift plus Tab, Enter, and arrow keys. The focus order is intended to follow a logical reading pattern, making it easier to move between menus, forms, and content sections. Interactive elements are created to be reachable and usable via keyboard controls wherever possible. We also seek to maintain consistent navigation and layout so that once you have learned how to move around the site, you can apply the same approach on other pages.

Text, Contrast, and Readability

We aim to present information in clear language and in a readable format. Text is written to be straightforward and is broken into short paragraphs and sections to help users scan and understand content efficiently. Colour contrast between text and its background is chosen to support people with low vision or colour vision deficiencies, in line with WCAG 2.1 AA contrast recommendations. Where possible, content about waste collection services in Hammersmith is structured so that important information can be identified quickly.

Ongoing Improvements and Limitations

Although we work to keep the Waste Collection Hammersmith website accessible, some content or older features may not yet meet our intended standards. For example, some historic documents or complex tables may be more difficult to access with assistive technology. We are gradually reviewing and updating such content, giving priority to materials that are most relevant to residents needing details about waste and recycling in the Hammersmith area. Accessibility is an ongoing process, and we will continue to refine our design and content over time.

Contact for Accessibility Support and Feedback

If you experience any difficulty using the Waste Collection Hammersmith website, or if you need information in a different format such as large print, audio, or an alternative digital version, you can contact our team by email, telephone, or post. Please describe the page or section you were trying to access, what you were trying to do, and the type of assistive technology or device you are using if relevant. This information helps us identify the issue and work on a suitable solution. We aim to respond to accessibility requests and feedback within a reasonable timeframe and to provide an accessible alternative where we are not yet able to improve the page immediately.

How We Use Your Feedback

Feedback from users in Hammersmith and elsewhere is an important part of our accessibility work. When you tell us about problems or suggest improvements, we use this information to update our content, adjust our design, and refine the way we communicate waste collection information. We log accessibility requests and review them regularly to identify recurring themes and areas where we should focus our efforts. By sharing your experience, you help us ensure that our waste collection services are easier to access online for everyone.