The decision is final.
SDAG cooperation
After dawn raids had been carried out in the waste sector, SDAG cooperated with the AFCA within the leniency programme to fully clarify the facts of the case, acknowledging the infringement for use in proceedings before the Cartel Court. Due to this cooperation, the AFCA applied for a reduced fine.
SDAG infringements
SDAG participated in anti-competitive price fixing, market divisions and the exchange of sensitive information during a period lasting from July 2002 until March 2021. The SDAG infringements occurred in the context of an Austrian cartel that was in place from at least July 2002 until March 2021.
Background information on infringements in the waste sector
The uncovered cartel relates to the economic sector of waste management.
The infringements covered the whole of Austria, with single companies only participating regionally, and took the form of price fixing, market divisions and customer sharing, as well as the exchange of sensitive information in relation to public and private tenders. Companies thereby helped each other to win contracts, reducing uncertainty around future business opportunities, and enabling them to adapt their conduct accordingly and secure market shares as a result. By dividing up markets and customers, the companies involved created an intertwined network of cartels, which ultimately covered the whole of Austria.
The AFCA is still investigating a number of other companies. The large amounts of data secured during dawn raids in 2021 and 2022, and the level of cooperation by the companies in the AFCA’s leniency programme have helped to move the investigations forward.
FAQ Waste Management June 2025
Further information on the AFCA’s investigations so far can be found in FAQ Waste Management Cartel June 2025.
Leniency without a fine
In accordance with the conditions laid down in § 11b of the Competition Act (WettbG), the AFCA may – in return for a company’s cooperation in uncovering a cartel – reduce the amount of the fine to be imposed or waive its right to apply for the imposition of a fine.