NACE 38.1 – Waste Collection | Public Tenders

Definition: NACE 38.1 covers the collection and transport of household waste, bulky waste, commercial waste, recyclables (paper, glass, plastic, metal) and biowaste through collection and pick-up systems. It includes the operation of recycling centres and collection points as well as the operation of transfer stations.

Legal basis: NACE Rev. 2 (Regulation (EC) No 1893/2006) · Last updated: January 2026

What does NACE 38.1 cover?

NACE 38.1 (Waste collection) classifies companies and municipal operations that collect waste at source and transport it to treatment or recovery facilities — a core area of municipal waste management with high, recurring tender volumes.

Group 38.1 within Section E and Division 38 is divided into two classes:

Public contracting authorities under NACE 38.1 are municipal waste management operators, special-purpose waste management associations, districts (as competent authorities under the Closed Substance Cycle Waste Management Act, KrWG) and independent cities. They frequently award collection services to private waste management companies.

Public Tenders: Scope of NACE 38.1

Municipal waste management is one of the most tender-intensive service areas of the public sector — collection services are typically awarded for five to ten years and represent multi-million-euro contracts in mid-sized cities.

Typical contract types

• Residual waste collection: Emptying of grey bins (60 l to 1,100 l) using pick-up or drop-off systems, including transport to the treatment facility; often as long-term contracts of 5–10 years
• Biowaste collection: Emptying of bio bins, where applicable including downstream treatment (composting, anaerobic digestion); separate collection mandatory under § 11 KrWG
• Recyclables collection: Emptying of yellow bins/sacks (lightweight packaging/LVP), paper bins, glass containers; coordinated with system operators (dual systems)
• Bulky waste collection: On-call pick-up or scheduled routes, with optional reprocessing and reuse (repair-café cooperations)
• Operation of recycling centres: Staffing, operational management and logistics for municipal recycling centres; often tendered as a service contract
• Container locations and transfer logistics: Roll-off container services for green waste, demolition rubble, bulky waste; operation of transfer stations
• Waste counselling and public outreach: Municipal waste advisory services, school programmes, campaign development

Thresholds and procedure types

Collection services in mid-sized municipalities regularly exceed the EU threshold for service contracts (EUR 221,000). Common procedures are the open procedure and the restricted procedure with a call for participation. For services with a strong local component and less standardised requirements, the negotiated procedure also occurs. Framework agreements for vehicles and containers are also widespread.

Relevant CPV codes for NACE 38.1

CPV codes are mandatory information in EU notices and enable targeted tender searches for waste collection services.

Current tenders can be found on TED (Tenders Electronic Daily) and on national and municipal platforms.

Who is NACE 38.1 relevant for in public procurement?

Public contracting authorities

Districts and independent cities are responsible under the Closed Substance Cycle Waste Management Act (KrWG) for the disposal of household waste and are therefore the primary contracting authorities for collection services. They tender these services unless they are provided by in-house entities (in-house award). In Austria, waste management is the responsibility of municipalities and municipal associations.

Companies and bidders

• Trade authorisation: Certification as a specialist waste management company (Efb) for the respective waste types; transport authorisation under § 54 KrWG (collection notification or authorisation)
• Vehicle fleet: Evidence of sufficient vehicle capacity (number, type, Euro emission class); recent tenders increasingly include minimum requirements for alternatively powered vehicles (natural gas, electric)
• Technical capacity: Reference services from comparable collection contracts (population served, waste tonnage, container count)
• Workforce: Evidence of sufficient driver and loader personnel; collective-bargaining compliance under the waste-industry agreement is sometimes specified as a minimum requirement

NACE 38.1 in context: Section E and Division 38

NACE 38.1 is closely linked to waste treatment (38.2) and recovery (38.3) — together, these groups form municipal waste management.

• NACE E – Water supply, sewerage, waste: Parent section
• NACE 38 – Waste collection, treatment and disposal: Parent division
• NACE 38.2 – Waste treatment and disposal: Landfill, incineration, composting
• NACE 38.3 – Materials recovery: Recycling, recyclables recovery
• NACE 37.0 – Sewerage: Sewer networks, treatment plants

Frequently asked questions on NACE 38.1 and public tenders

Can municipalities award refuse collection to a municipal company without tendering?
Yes, under the conditions of in-house award pursuant to § 108 GWB: the contractor must be active essentially for the contracting authority, the contracting authority must exercise control similar to that over its own departments, and the participation of private capital is in principle not permitted. The precise conditions are complex under procurement law.

What contract durations are typical for refuse collection contracts?
Typical durations are 5 to 10 years, often with an extension option. Longer durations amortise the contractor's vehicle investments; shorter durations increase competition. For vehicle procurement, 8–12 years is typical.

How do I find current tenders for refuse collection and recycling centres?
On TED with CPV 90511000 (refuse collection) or 90512000 (refuse transport). Smaller contracts appear on national platforms and in district official gazettes.

Last updated: January 2026
All information is provided without guarantee. For legally binding advice, please consult a law firm specialising in public procurement law.