A cluster of eight councils will be able to offer one big contract for waste collection, recycling and green waste services.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has granted authorisation to eight regional councils in New South Wales to enable them to jointly tender and contract for the duties, saving them all money giving them more buying power.

To reach its decision the ACCC consulted a range of relevant parties including waste services providers, other local councils, industry associations and government authorities.

“The ACCC considers that the authorised conduct is likely to result in public benefits, including transaction cost savings and better purchasing power for the Councils, and limited public detriment,” Commissioner Dr Jill Walker said.

“The submissions received by the ACCC were supportive of the joint tender and no concerns were raised by waste services providers,” she said.

The Councils want to complete the tender process by the end of 2014 and enter into 10 year contracts for each of the services commencing in 2016.

The Councils will still be able to choose if they want to accept an offer on a regional basis or pursue an individual contract. The ACCC has previously allowed similar right for groups of councils in NSW.

The councils participating in the joint tender are; Bathurst Regional Council, Blayney Shire Council, Blue Mountains City Council, Cabonne Council, Forbes Shire Council, Orange City Council, Parkes Shire Council and Wellington Council.

The authorisation will last for 13 years.