TL;DR
Nova Scotia does not require a provincial transporter licence for haulers of non-hazardous solid waste. But the province has some of the most aggressive landfill bans in North America. Haulers must know the source separation rules well. Waste management facilities need approval under the Environment Act. Regional municipalities set collection and hauler rules through local bylaws.
What permits do I need to haul dumpsters in Nova Scotia?
Provincial requirements
Nova Scotia does not require a provincial transporter permit for haulers of non-hazardous solid waste. The Environment Act and Solid Waste-Resource Management Regulations focus on facility approvals and material bans. They do not focus on hauler licensing.[1]
Waste facilities need approval under the Activities Designation Regulations. This covers transfer stations, landfills, and processing facilities.[3] You may run a transfer yard or processing facility along with hauling. If so, you need an approval from Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change.
Haulers of dangerous goods must follow the Dangerous Goods Management Regulations. These rules adopt the federal Transportation of Dangerous Goods rules. They also add provincial storage and handling standards.[4]
Municipal and regional requirements
Nova Scotia has seven regional waste management regions. Each one sets its own hauler rules through bylaws. Most commercial haulers must register with the regional authority. Source-separated waste must stay separated during transport. It must also go to the right facility.
Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) requires a business licence for waste haulers. Its bylaws also mandate source separation by haulers who collect from commercial properties.
Warning
Nova Scotia bans dozens of materials from landfill. The list includes corrugated cardboard, newsprint, beverage containers, tires, electronics, organics, and construction wood waste. Haulers who bring banned materials to landfills can face fines. They may also be turned away at the gate. Know the bans for your region before you accept loads.
What are the environmental compliance requirements?
The Solid Waste-Resource Management Regulations set province-wide disposal bans and diversion targets.[2] Nova Scotia reached over 50% waste diversion. It keeps adding banned materials. Haulers must keep source-separated waste resources separated while they collect and haul.
What insurance do I need in Nova Scotia?
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required |
|---|---|
| Commercial Auto Liability | $2,000,000 (Nova Scotia standard) |
| Workers' Compensation | Required through WCB Nova Scotia for all employers |
Official References
| # | Resource | Agency | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Environment Act, S.N.S. 1994-95, c. 1 | Government of Nova Scotia | statute |
| 2 | Solid Waste-Resource Management Regulations, N.S. Reg. 25/96 | Government of Nova Scotia | regulation |
| 3 | Activities Designation Regulations, N.S. Reg. 47/95 | Government of Nova Scotia | regulation |
| 4 | Dangerous Goods Management Regulations, N.S. Reg. 56/95 | Government of Nova Scotia | regulation |