Start a Montreal Solid Waste Landfill: A Practical Guide
This page is your practical, no-nonsense roadmap to launching a solid waste landfill in Montreal (NAICS 562212). It outlines the 9 requirements you’ll need to meet, the permits you’ll pursue, and realistic cost and timeline expectations for moving from idea to operation. It’s designed for entrepreneurs who want clear guidance, practical steps, and plenty of confidence as you plan your first steps in this field.
You’ll learn the key steps behind each requirement—site evaluation and land-use approvals, environmental impact considerations, financial assurances, closure and post-closure plans, safety and monitoring programs, traffic management, neighbor and community notifications, and ongoing regulatory reporting. The permits you’ll secure include municipal approvals, provincial environmental licensing, waste-acceptance and transporter registrations. Expect upfront costs for land, liners and leachate systems, construction, equipment, and permit fees, plus ongoing operations, maintenance, insurance, and eventual closure costs. Timeline-wise, you’ll move from feasibility to shovel-ready planning, through permit processing, to construction and the first day you receive waste, with clear milestones along the way.
Montreal’s strong waste-management infrastructure and market access make it a compelling place to build a landfill with robust community and regulatory support.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a solid waste landfill in Montreal is the Business Licence. This is a legally required permit you must have to run any business in the city, and you cannot operate without it. Securing the licence is non-negotiable and lays the foundation for all other regulatory steps.
The next focus is mandatory operational requirements that keep people safe and the site compliant. Grouped here, you’ll handle health and safety, and key employer obligations. You’ll need to set up proper health and safety practices on site and ensure workers are protected, including registering for the CNESST (Québec’s workers’ compensation system) as an employer. This also includes establishing any required permits and procedures that keep your operations safe for workers, nearby communities, and the environment.
On the business and tax side, you’ll complete essential registrations and numbers that identify your company with federal and provincial authorities. This includes obtaining and maintaining a Business Number (BN) for Canada Revenue Agency activities, registering for a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) through the Registraire des enterprises, and completing the Quebec Business Registration (REQ). Depending on your business structure, you may register as a partnership or a corporation, and you’ll likely need GST/HST registration and payroll deductions registration to handle taxes and employee withholdings properly.
You’re almost ready to move forward. If you’re unsure which structure fits best, start with the licence and registrations listed above, then confirm with local authorities and a business advisor. Gather the required documents, set up your tax accounts, and build a simple compliance calendar. With clear next steps and solid registrations in place, you’ll be on a practical path to launching your Montreal landfill responsibly and legally.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a solid waste landfill 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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