Launch a Burnaby Solid Waste Collection Business Today
This page gives a practical, step-by-step path to starting a solid waste collection business in Burnaby (NAICS 562111). It offers a clear overview of the six requirements, plus the permits, costs, and timelines you’ll need to plan for as you set up your fleet and start serving customers. It’s designed to be doable, with actionable steps you can tackle week by week.
Here’s what you’ll learn: the six requirements you’ll tackle to operate legally in Burnaby—licensing and registration, municipal permits, waste carrier authorization, fleet readiness, safety and insurance, and ongoing compliance. We break down where to get each permit, typical costs you should budget, and a practical timeline from registration to first pickup.
Why Burnaby? The city’s location in Metro Vancouver means a steady mix of commercial and multi-family waste work, plus a supportive small-business climate and clear licensing paths. Launching here gives you access to local clients and strong service networks, while keeping startup costs reasonable with used fleets and scalable growth.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a solid waste collection business in Burnaby is the Business Number (BN) Registration. The BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and you cannot legally operate without it. It serves as your single, official identifier for taxes, payroll, and general business accounts, so having it is non-negotiable and foundational to everything else you’ll do.
Beyond this core item, you’ll encounter essential operational requirements that protect people and the environment. Health and safety are key, so you’ll want to ensure your workers are covered by WorkSafeBC and meet BC safety standards. Environmental considerations matter too, so an BC Environmental Assessment Approval could be required for specific projects or facilities. In addition, make sure you have any local permits Burnaby may require for waste collection activities.
For registration and taxes, you’ll need the BC Business Name Registration if you plan to operate under a name other than your own (for sole proprietorships or partnerships). You’ll also likely handle GST/HST Registration and Payroll D deductions Registration through the appropriate tax authorities. GST/HST has thresholds and rules, so register when you meet or anticipate meeting them, and set up payroll deductions for your employees as required.
If you’re ready, take the next steps: gather your business details and apply for the BN, then register your business name with BC Registries if applicable, and set up GST/HST and payroll registrations as needed. Finally, check in with WorkSafeBC about coverage and review any environmental or municipal requirements. You’ve got this—taking these steps now will set you up for a compliant, smoother start.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a solid waste collection 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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BC Environmental Assessment Approval ConditionalRequired for projects with environmental impact. Environmental assessment approval required for major projects in British Columbia through the Environmental Assessment Office Apply to BC Environmental Assessment Office (EAO). Fees: $10,000 initial assessment, $45,000-75,000 for full assessment. Plan review: $5,000-10,000. Energy projects: $180,000-350,000. Processing: 12-24 months. Required for projects meeting Reviewable Projects Regulation thresholds. Contact: EAO at 250-356-7441.
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