Launch Your London Solid Waste Collection Business Today
Thinking of starting a solid waste collection business in London? This page breaks down the path to 562111 compliance, outlining the 11 requirements you’ll likely face—from registration and local permits to operating licenses and insurance. You’ll find a practical overview of what to prepare, potential upfront costs, and a realistic timeline to move from idea to launch.
You’ll learn the essential steps, including permits you may need, how to apply, and what regulators typically review. We cover important topics like vehicle and worker safety, liability and commercial insurance, equipment needs, and budgeting for start-up costs. The guide also highlights timelines, application processing expectations, and tips to keep your project on track while meeting environmental and municipal rules.
Why London? A growing demand for reliable waste collection services, a supportive business climate, and proximity to municipal and private waste ecosystems make London an attractive launch pad for a solid waste collection business.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a solid waste collection business in London, Ontario is Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance. This is a legal obligation that governs how you keep workers safe and manage on-site activities, and you cannot legally start or run the business without meeting these standards. It’s non-negotiable: without proper OHS compliance, you won’t be allowed to operate, and penalties or shutdowns can follow right from the outset.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health and safety must be the foundation of your day-to-day operations. This includes meeting Industrial Safety Standards and securing WSIB registration and coverage to protect your workers. You will also need the Waste Management System License to legally collect and handle waste, along with a Business Licence. Employment Standards Compliance ensures you follow rules around pay and working conditions, and Environmental Compliance (Infrastructure) keeps your facilities and equipment aligned with environmental rules.
Business Registration & Tax: To operate legally, you’ll need a Business Number (BN) Registration and Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario). You’ll also handle GST/HST Registration and Payroll Deductions Registration to stay compliant with tax and payroll obligations for your employees and business.
Encouragement: Start with the essential safety steps and then tackle registrations in a practical order. Set up a simple checklist: confirm OHS compliance, secure your licenses, and open the necessary tax and payroll accounts. If you break the work into clear steps, you’ll move steadily from “how” to “up and running” with confidence. You’ve got a solid path forward—take the first step today.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a solid waste collection in London:
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Waste Management System License RequiredWaste collection, transfer, processing, and disposal facilities must be licensed and comply with environmental compliance approvals. Two paths: (1) EASR registration for low-risk activities since Nov 2012; (2) Full MECP approval for complex systems. Wastewater operators: licensed through OWWCO with 5 classes. New eForms Dec 8, 2025. Hazardous waste: RPRA registry since Jan 2023. Operator renewal notices sent November. Contact MECP or OWWCO.
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of London. Apply to City of London 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 London Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario) RequiredBusinesses in Ontario operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Ontario Business Registry through ServiceOntario. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal protection for the business name within Ontario and is required for banking, licensing, and business operations. Registration can be completed online through Ontario Business Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years. Register business name with Ontario Business Registry: 1. Search Ontario Business Registry (free) for name availability 2. Consider NUANS name report ($25) for thorough search 3. Register online through Ontario Business Registry 4. Pay registration fee ($60 for sole proprietorship/partnership) 5. Receive 9-digit Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) 6. Registration valid for 5 years 7. Renew before expiry
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Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance RequiredAll Ontario workplaces must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure safe working conditions. Requirements include workplace safety policies, training, hazard assessments, and incident reporting. No registration - compliance law. Must post OHSA in workplace. JHSC required for 20+ workers (or 6+ in designated industries). Nov 2025: New administrative penalty scheme, defibrillator reimbursement. Telework now covered. Fines: up to $500K individuals, $1.5M corporations. 27 regulations under OHSA. Must conduct safety audits, maintain training records. Contact: 1-877-202-0008.
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Industrial Safety Standards ConditionalRequired for industrial safety. Industrial operations must implement comprehensive health and safety programs including hazard assessments, training, PPE, and incident reporting. OHSA + O. Reg. 851 (Industrial Establishments). Machine guarding, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, fall protection. JHSC for 20+ workers. Safety Rep for 6-19 workers. Designated substances survey before renovation. April 2025-March 2026: MLTSD material handling focus. Noise regulations O. Reg. 381/15. Supervisor competency requirement. Contact MLTSD: 1-877-202-0008.
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Environmental Compliance (Infrastructure) ConditionalRequired for environmental compliance. Infrastructure and industrial operations must comply with environmental regulations for emissions, discharges, waste management, and reporting. Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) for infrastructure projects. Covers air, noise, sewage, stormwater. EASR for low-risk activities. Multi-media ECA available. O. Reg. 1/17 amended. Contact MECP: 1-800-565-4923.
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Employment Standards Compliance ConditionalApplies if you have employees. Covers minimum wage, hours of work, vacation pay, public holidays, termination notice, etc. All Ontario employers must comply with the Employment Standards Act, covering minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, termination, severance, and other workplace rights. No registration required - compliance-based requirement. Follow Employment Standards Act (ESA) for minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, leaves, and termination. Post ESA poster in workplace (free download from ontario.ca). Keep employment records for 3 years. NEW for 2025: Employers with 25+ staff must provide written employment info to new hires by July 1, 2025. Job postings must include salary ranges by Jan 1, 2026. Call 1-800-531-5551 for help.
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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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WSIB Registration and Coverage ConditionalRequired within 10 days of hiring first employee, including family members and subcontractors. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) registration is mandatory for most Ontario businesses with employees. Provides compensation and support for workplace injuries and illnesses. Sole proprietors and partners can apply for optional coverage. Register FREE online at wsib.ca in 15-20 minutes. MANDATORY for most Ontario employers within 10 calendar days of hiring first worker. You'll need: CRA Business Number, payroll estimate, business activity description, owner/director info. Account number issued INSTANTLY online. Construction industry has expanded compulsory coverage. Premium rates vary by industry classification. Must display WSIB safety poster in workplace.
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