Launch Your Recyclable Material Merchant Wholesalers Business in Burnaby
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to starting a Recyclable Material Merchant Wholesalers business in Burnaby (NAICS 423930). You’ll get a clear path from business setup to licensing, permits, and the costs you’ll face in Canada. It includes a concise requirements overview, a realistic timeline, and the documents you’ll need to move from idea to active operation.
Here’s what you’ll learn: seven essential startup requirements, how Burnaby’s permits and local licenses work, expected startup costs, and how long the process typically takes. We’ll translate the steps into concrete actions—register your business, secure insurance, review zoning for your facility, meet waste-handling rules, set up tax accounts, and prepare supplier and customer contracts—so you can launch confidently.
Burnaby is a natural fit for this business, with a growing recycling sector, convenient access to Metro Vancouver markets, and supportive local programs for waste materials. This city-and-industry match helps you build a compliant, efficient wholesale operation that can scale.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a recyclable material merchant wholesaler in Burnaby is Product Safety and Recall Obligations. This is a legal requirement you cannot bypass—without proper product safety practices, a clear recall plan, and the ability to report safety issues to authorities, you cannot legally run the business. This requirement is non-negotiable, so you should establish robust procedures for safety testing, traceability, and rapid action if a product is found to be unsafe.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health and safety, permits, and basic compliance. Ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration so your workers are protected and your business stays compliant with BC workplace rules. Put in place a simple safety plan, provide necessary training, and follow best practices for handling and storing recyclable materials. If you plan to move goods across borders, you’ll also need to secure an Import/Export account tied to your business activities.
Business Registration & Tax: This includes registering your business and setting up tax numbers. You’ll need a Business Number (BN) registration with the Canada Revenue Agency, and if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership in BC, you must register your BC business name. If you plan to import or export, apply for an Import/Export Business Number under your BN. In addition, arrange GST/HST registration, and if you have employees, Payroll Deductions Registration. These steps establish your legal entity and ensure you can remit taxes properly.
Encouragement: You’re laying a solid foundation for a compliant, trustworthy business. Start with a quick compliance checklist, then tackle registrations one by one (BN, BC name, GST/HST, payroll, and imports/exports). If you’d like, I can map out a simple step-by-step plan and point you to the right Burnaby or BC resources to get everything done smoothly. You’ve got this—taking these steps now sets you up for long-term success.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a recyclable material merchant wholesalers in Burnaby:
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Product Safety and Recall Obligations RequiredWholesalers must ensure products meet Canadian safety standards and report serious incidents. Must participate in product recalls and maintain records for traceability. No registration - compliance law. Manufacturers/importers/sellers must ensure products are safe. MANDATORY REPORTING to Health Canada if: death/serious injury occurred or could occur, defects found, inadequate labeling, or recall in other jurisdiction. Keep records 6 years. Penalties: fines, seizure, criminal charges. Report incidents online or call 1-866-662-0666.
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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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Import/Export Business Number ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Wholesalers engaged in importing or exporting goods must register for an import/export account with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in addition to their CRA Business Number. As of Oct 21, 2024, register RM account through CBSA's CARM Client Portal (not CRA). Need BN9 first - get via CARM or CRA's BRO. FREE registration. Required for importing/exporting commercial goods. Ensure all business names match exactly to avoid border delays. CBSA manages RM accounts; CRA issues BN9. Contact CBSA Border Information Service: 1-800-461-9999.
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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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