The ACCC has granted interim authorisation in respect of application for re-authorisation AA1000581 lodged by the Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Group (MWRRG), on behalf of itself, 27 metropolitan councils and 8 regional councils (the Participating Councils), and 3 regional waste and resource recovery groups (regional WRRGs). Interim authorisation is granted to enable MWRRG, the Participating Councils and regional WRRGs to commence a tender process for the collective procurement of sorting services for commingled, kerbside recyclable material.
MWRRG has sought to revoke its previous authorisation AA1000451 and substitution for a new authorisation AA1000581, due to changes in government policy and changes in the make-up of the participating councils.
Interim authorisation is granted only for the commencement of the tender process, and not the execution of any binding contracts.
Interim authorisation commences immediately and remains in place until it is revoked or the date the ACCC’s final determination comes into effect.
Interim authorisation protects the applicants from legal action under the relevant provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 while the ACCC assesses the substantive application for authorisation. The ACCC may review the interim authorisation at any time and its interim authorisation decision should not be taken to be indicative of the ACCC’s final decision.
More information about the ACCC’s interim decision is available on the public register at: Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Group (recycling sorting).