Start Your Saint John Materials Recovery Facility Today
This page helps you plan and launch a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Saint John, from first steps to opening day. It offers practical guidance, checklists, and realistic timelines so you can move confidently from idea to operation. You'll see what to prepare, who to talk to, and how to budget for a compliant, efficient site, with local partners in mind.
Here are the eight essentials you’ll need to line up: 1) business registration and budgeting; 2) local zoning and site-plan approval; 3) provincial environmental permits and waste-handling licenses; 4) building permits and fire code compliance; 5) an operations safety plan and workers’ compensation coverage; 6) appropriate insurance and bonding; 7) startup costs and financing strategy; 8) supplier and end-market contracts.
Saint John's growing recycling network, supportive local government, and access to Atlantic markets make it a strong fit for a new MRF, with favorable permitting timelines, a skilled workforce nearby, and clear community benefits.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a materials recovery facility in Saint John is the Business Licence. This municipal licence is legally required before you can start any operation, and you cannot legally operate without it. It’s the non-negotiable green light from the city—without it you’re out of compliance and could be shut down.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health and safety come first. Implement clear safety procedures, provide worker training, and supply appropriate protective equipment. You will also need New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage, which ensures compliance with provincial safety standards and protects your staff in case of injuries. When planning, also account for any additional local or environmental permits your facility might require before opening.
Business Registration & Tax: Beyond the licence, you’ll set up your business identity and tax accounts. Register for a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency, and register your New Brunswick Business Name (SNB) with Service NB. Decide your business structure (Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration) if applicable. For taxes, prepare to register for GST/HST and Payroll Deductions with the CRA as needed, so you can handle sales taxes and employee withholdings smoothly.
Encouragement: Ready to proceed? Start by securing the municipal licence, then tackle the BN and SNB registrations, choose your structure, and set up your GST/HST and payroll accounts. If you’d like, I can help you draft a simple action checklist and point you to the right contacts at Service NB, the CRA, and WorkSafeNB to keep you on track. You’ve got this—clear steps lead to steady progress.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a materials recovery facilities in Saint John:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Saint John. Apply to City of Saint John for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Saint John Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) RequiredBusinesses in New Brunswick must register their business name with Service New Brunswick if operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations and licensing. Registration can be completed online through SNB Online. Business name registrations for sole proprietorships and partnerships must be renewed every 5 years. To register a business name in New Brunswick: 1. Conduct name search ($13.80) 2. Complete registration through SNB Online 3. Pay $112 registration fee (includes Royal Gazette) 4. Receive certificate of business name 5. Renew every 5 years ($62) 6. Report any changes as required
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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NB Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in New Brunswick. Incorporation under NB law. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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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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New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage ConditionalRequired if you have employees in New Brunswick. Employers in New Brunswick must register with WorkSafeNB (Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission) and maintain coverage for workers. WorkSafeNB provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with limited exceptions. Registration must occur within 10 days of commencing business operations or hiring the first worker. Employers pay assessments based on their classification unit rate and assessable payroll. To register with WorkSafeNB: 1. Determine if you're in a mandatory industry with 3+ workers 2. Register with WorkSafeNB online or by phone 3. Report assessable payroll annually 4. Pay premiums based on industry rate ($1.18/100 avg 2024) 5. Maintain coverage and report workplace injuries 6. Experience rating affects rate (+80% to -40%)
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