Launch a Surrey Solid Waste Collection Business Today
This page offers a practical, action-ready roadmap to starting a solid waste collection business in Surrey under NAICS 562111. You’ll find a clear overview of the seven requirements, the permits you’ll need, realistic startup costs, and a practical timeline from registration to launching routes. It’s designed for entrepreneurs who want a straightforward path, not a pile of guesswork.
You’ll learn exactly which steps to take and what to prepare. The guide breaks down the seven requirements—covering business registration, provincial licensing, municipal permits, fleet and vehicle standards, insurance and bonds, waste facility access or disposal contracts, and safety training—and shows how they fit with permits, licenses, and compliance. It also highlights typical costs and a timeline you can actually follow.
Surrey’s growing business and residential corridors create solid demand for dependable waste collection. That means a realistic startup path, clear regulations, and fast routes to profitability when you pair local needs with the right permits and a compliant fleet.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a solid waste collection business in Surrey is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This number, issued by the Canada Revenue Agency, is your official government ID for taxes, payroll, and other filings. You cannot legally operate a business or hire workers without a BN, and every key filing and account will reference it. Starting with your BN makes the rest of compliance smoother and non-negotiable.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: In addition to the BN, you must meet safety and permit obligations. Ensure you have WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration so workers are protected on the job. You’ll also need a Surrey business licence to operate within the city. Depending on the scale and specifics of your waste-collection activities, an BC Environmental Assessment Approval may be required if the project triggers environmental review. These items form the core regulatory checks that keep your operation compliant and safe.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll also need to handle business-name and tax registrations. If you operate as a sole proprietorship or partnership under a name other than your own, register the BC Business Name. For taxes, plan to register for GST/HST and, if you have employees, Payroll Deductions Registration. These registrations ensure you can charge and remit taxes properly and meet employer obligations.
Next steps and encouragement: Start with obtaining your BN from CRA, then apply for the Surrey business licence, register your business name (if applicable), and set up GST/HST and payroll accounts. Check whether WorkSafeBC and any environmental assessments apply to your operation. If you want, reach out to Surrey’s small business resources for a guided checklist and timeline—taking these steps in order will make the process practical and achievable.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a solid waste collection in Surrey:
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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 Surrey. Apply to City of Surrey 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 Surrey Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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