How to Start a Solid Waste Landfill in Victoria, BC
This page is your beginner-friendly guide to starting a solid waste landfill in Victoria, BC. It offers a practical, six essential requirements overview, the permits and licenses you'll need, typical costs, and a realistic timeline for approvals and construction. You’ll learn what documents to prepare, who to talk to, and how to navigate municipal and provincial rules while staying compliant as you move forward.
On this page you'll learn the six essential requirements you must meet, the permits and licenses you'll apply for, and the typical costs you should budget for. We map out a practical timeline—from site evaluation and regulatory reviews to construction and launch—and share tips for environmental planning, financial assurances, and respectful community engagement to keep approvals on track.
Why Victoria? The city’s steady regulatory environment, good planning infrastructure, and proximity to service streams make it a favorable place to establish responsible waste management operations. A well-planned landfill here can align with local budgeting cycles and community expectations, helping you build a compliant, long-term business.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a solid waste landfill in Victoria is WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration. If you have staff or contractors, you must be covered under WorkSafeBC by law in British Columbia, and you cannot legally hire, run, or manage a site without this coverage. It is non-negotiable and foundational to compliant operations, safety, and access to other approvals and contracts. Get this in place before you do anything else.
Mandatory operational requirements cover health, safety, and permits. Implement a site health and safety plan, provide training and personal protective equipment, maintain equipment, and establish emergency procedures. At the same time, secure the necessary permits and approvals to operate a landfill: a Victoria municipal business licence and any environmental or waste-management permits required by provincial authorities. Ongoing permit compliance, odor and leachate control, and reporting are essential to stay compliant.
On the business and tax side, you’ll need a Business Number (BN) with the federal government to handle tax accounts, payroll deductions, and GST/HST. If you operate under a name other than your own, register a BC Business Name for a sole proprietorship or partnership. Here are the linked steps: GST/HST registration once threshold is met, and Payroll Deductions registration if you have employees. These registrations keep your finances and payroll compliant.
Next steps: confirm WorkSafeBC coverage, obtain your municipal business licence, and set up BN, GST/HST, and payroll accounts. Then align with environmental permits and safety planning—you're on a practical path to a compliant, sustainable operation.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a solid waste landfill in Victoria:
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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 Victoria. Apply to City of Victoria 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 Victoria 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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