Launch a Materials Recovery Facility in Burnaby: Start Today
This page is your practical, no-fluff guide to starting a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Burnaby. We'll break down the steps you need to take, from legal setup to the specific requirements for NAICS 562920, and give you a clear roadmap for permits, site planning, and equipment. You’ll find an easy requirements overview, what permits you’ll need, rough cost ranges, and a realistic timeline to move from idea to operation.
In this guide, you’ll learn: the five key requirements you must meet to operate an MRF in Burnaby; how to secure the necessary environmental and zoning permits; typical capital and operating costs; a practical project timeline; and practical tips to prepare a strong business case, site plan, and safety program.
Burnaby is a smart starting point for waste recovery: close to Vancouver's markets, well-connected industrial zones, and supportive municipal programs that encourage sustainable recycling. With a growing demand for recovered materials and efficient waste handling, this city offers reliable access to customers, suppliers, and talent to get your MRF up and running.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a materials recovery facility in Burnaby is WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration. This is a legal obligation for employers to protect workers, and you cannot legally operate the facility without it. Having this coverage and registration is non-negotiable; without it, you’d be breaking the law, could face penalties, and wouldn’t be able to hire staff or run the site safely.
Beyond this, focus on mandatory health and safety practices and any required permits. Develop a clear safety program with staff training, proper operating procedures, and incident reporting to keep your operations safe for workers and the community. Also check with Burnaby city authorities about any local permits or environmental approvals needed to operate a materials recovery facility, so you’re fully compliant from day one.
For the business itself, you’ll need key registration and tax numbers. Start with a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency, which is used for taxes, payroll, and other filings. If you’re using a name other than your own, register your BC business name (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership). You’ll also need to consider GST/HST registration if your taxable supplies reach the threshold or as required, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees.
Next steps: visit the CRA and BC Registries websites to complete BN, GST/HST, and BC name registrations, and set up Payroll Deductions with CRA as needed. Then arrange WorkSafeBC coverage, and confirm local Burnaby licensing or permits for your facility. With these in place, you’ll be well on your way to launching a compliant, practical operation.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a materials recovery facilities in Burnaby:
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
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