Start Your Montreal Solid Waste Collection Business Today
This page helps you start a Montreal solid waste collection business (NAICS 562111) with a practical, no-nonsense plan. You’ll get a clear overview of the 9 startup requirements, the permits and licenses you’ll need, and a realistic cost and timeline to move from idea to active service.
You’ll learn what to prepare: a concise requirements overview, how to secure municipal licensing in Montreal, the typical vehicle and environmental permits, essential insurance, equipment needs, and a system for waste tracking. We’ll outline ballpark startup costs and a practical, step-by-step timeline to obtain approvals and start serving clients.
Montreal offers a strong market for local solid waste collection, with diverse clients—from commercial properties to multi-unit residences—and clear pathways for compliant, small fleets. With the right plan and permits in hand, you can launch confidently and grow as demand and regulations evolve.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a solid waste collection business in Montreal is Business Licence. This license is legally required to run a business in the city, and you cannot legally operate without it. Securing the license upfront keeps you compliant, helps you avoid fines or a forced shutdown, and signals to customers and partners that you take rules seriously. This is non-negotiable.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: After you have your license, focus on health, safety, and the necessary permits. Make sure your crew is trained and protected, and register with the Quebec CNESST for workers’ compensation. Implement safe waste handling procedures, vehicle safety rules, and appropriate insurance. Depending on your route and facilities, you may also need additional city or provincial permits related to waste collection.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll also need key registrations and tax numbers. Obtain a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency, a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ), and complete the Quebec Business Registration (REQ) with Registraire des entreprises. The structure of your business matters too—you may need Partnership Registration or Quebec Corporation Registration. For ongoing taxes, plan for GST/HST registration and Payroll Deductions registration, as well as any provincial or municipal tax filing requirements that apply to your operations.
Next steps: Start by checking Montreal’s business portal and listing the offices you must contact. Gather your ownership, location, and financial documents, then begin applications one by one. If needed, get a quick advisory session to map out timing and dependencies. With these steps checked off, you’ll have a solid, compliant foundation to launch your service.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a solid waste collection in Montreal:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in Ville de Montreal. Apply to Ville de Montréal 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 Ville de Montréal 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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Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) Registration RequiredRegistration of business with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar. Register with Registraire des entreprises du Québec: 1. Access quebec.ca/entreprises services 2. Complete declaration of registration online 3. Pay registration fee ($38 sole proprietorship, $367 corporation) 4. Receive NEQ (Numéro d'entreprise du Québec) Annual registration fee: $35 (exempt first 2 years). Annual update declaration required. 30-day deadline for changes.
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Quebec Business Registration (REQ - Registraire des entreprises) RequiredAll businesses operating in Quebec must register with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec (Quebec Enterprise Registrar). This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. Registration provides a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) which is required for all business activities including banking, licensing, and tax purposes. Unlike other provinces, registration is mandatory for ALL businesses in Quebec, not just those with a business name different from the owner. Registration can be completed online. Annual declarations must be filed to keep the registration current. Register with Registraire des entreprises within 60 days of starting business. Required for sole proprietors operating under trade name, partnerships, and corporations. $39 for sole proprietorship, $60 for partnership. Receive NEQ (Quebec Enterprise Number).
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired if operating as partnership. Registration of general or limited partnerships in Quebec. Register partnership with Registraire des entreprises: 1. Complete declaration of registration 2. Provide partner information 3. Submit registration 4. Pay registration fee General and limited partnerships. NEQ assigned upon registration. Annual update declaration required.
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Quebec Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Quebec. Incorporation of a company under Quebec law. Incorporate through Registraire des entreprises: 1. Conduct name search (NUANS) 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit through quebec.ca or registry office 4. Pay incorporation fee ($367) Annual reporting required. Must file annual update declaration. Federal incorporation alternative available ($200).
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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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Quebec CNESST Employer Registration (Workers Compensation) ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Quebec. Employers in Quebec must register with the CNESST (Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail) and maintain coverage for workers. CNESST provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases under Quebec's workers' compensation system. Most employers are required to register within 60 days of hiring their first worker. Employers pay contributions (premiums) based on their business activity classification and assessable payroll. Register with CNESST within 60 days of hiring first employee. CNESST provides workplace health and safety coverage. Premium rates based on industry classification. Annual declaration of wages required by March 14.
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