TL;DR
Alberta does not require a province-level permit to haul non-hazardous solid waste. The Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) and the Waste Control Regulation focus on disposal sites and hazardous waste. Haulers of hazardous waste must get a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and use manifests. For standard roll-off operators, city business licences and bylaws are the main rules to follow.
What permits do I need to haul dumpsters in Alberta?
For non-hazardous solid waste haulers, Alberta's rules are fairly light.
Provincial requirements
The EPEA and the Waste Control Regulation do not require a provincial permit to haul non-hazardous solid waste.[1] The Activities Designation Regulation lists which waste activities need an EPEA approval, registration, or notification. Hauling non-hazardous waste is not on that list.[3]
The rules change if you find or haul hazardous waste. You must then get a Personal Identification Number (PIN). You do that by registering with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas.[2] Each hazardous waste shipment needs a manifest. The manifest tracks the waste from where it was made to where it ends up. Carriers must put their PIN on every manifest.[2]
Do you run a waste storage site, such as a transfer yard where you keep loaded containers? Then you must send a notification to Alberta Environment and Protected Areas under the Activities Designation Regulation.[3]
Municipal requirements
Calgary requires a business licence for waste hauling. To place a dumpster on a city road, you need an Oversize Load/Bin on Road permit from the City's Roads division.
Edmonton requires a business licence. Containers placed on public property also need a Right-of-Way Temporary Placement Permit.
What are the environmental compliance requirements?
All waste must go to sites that hold EPEA approvals or registrations.[1] Alberta sorts landfills into three classes. Class I takes hazardous waste. Class II takes non-hazardous industrial waste. Class III takes municipal solid waste. Standard dumpster rental waste goes to Class III sites.[4]
What insurance do I need in Alberta?
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required |
|---|---|
| Commercial Auto Liability | $2,000,000 (Alberta standard) |
| General Liability | Recommended; required by most municipalities |
| Workers' Compensation | Required through WCB Alberta for all employers |
Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) Alberta coverage is mandatory. The waste collection industry falls under WCB industry code 50210.
Official References
| # | Resource | Agency | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, RSA 2000, c. E-12 | Government of Alberta | statute |
| 2 | Waste Control Regulation, Alta Reg 192/1996 | Government of Alberta | regulation |
| 3 | Activities Designation Regulation, Alta Reg 276/2003 | Government of Alberta | regulation |
| 4 | Waste Legislation and Resources | Alberta Environment and Protected Areas | website |