Germany Tightens Oversight on Waste Giant Remondis Over Market Dominance

A landmark ruling targets Germany’s waste industry as regulators move to block further consolidation. Will this reshape competition in a sector ruled by giants?

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2025 November 24 . 1:03 PM

1 min read

In this image there is a waste container on the ground. There are logos and text on the waste... — In this image there is a waste container on the ground. There are logos and text on the waste container. Behind it there is a fencing. Behind the fencing there are cars parked on the ground. In the background there are houses and trees. At the top there is the sky.

Cartel Office Tightens Control Over Waste Giant Remondis - Germany Tightens Oversight on Waste Giant Remondis Over Market Dominance

Germany’s Federal Cartel Office has stepped up scrutiny of Remondis, the nation’s largest waste management firm. The authority will now monitor all company takeovers by its parent group, Rethmann, for the next three years. Any planned acquisitions must be reported in advance for approval.

The decision follows a 2023 sector inquiry by the Cartel Office, which found that Rethmann Group held a dominant position in waste management. Andreas Mundt, the authority’s president, warned that even small takeovers by the group could weaken competition.

The Cartel Office’s oversight will last three years, covering all future acquisitions by Rethmann Group. Companies in the waste sector must now report planned takeovers to the authority before completion. The ruling aims to prevent further market concentration in an industry already dominated by a few key players.