The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has granted authorisation to Bankstown, Fairfield, Parramatta and Liverpool councils to tender jointly for services to process ‘household clean-up’ waste.
This waste includes bulky household items such as mattresses and whitegoods, which are collected outside the weekly run.
“The combined tendering and contracting process by the councils is likely to lead to some efficiency and cost savings,” ACCC Commissioner Dr Jill Walker said.
“This arrangement may also provide incentives for waste providers to compete more vigorously to win the tender.”
The ACCC has authorised the arrangement for six years to cover both the tender period and maximum possible contract term of five years.
Authorisation provides statutory protection from court action for conduct that might otherwise raise concerns under the competition provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Broadly, the ACCC may grant an authorisation when it is satisfied that the public benefit from the conduct outweighs any public detriment.
Further information about the application for authorisation, including a copy of the ACCC's determination and public submissions, is available on the public register.