TL;DR
Nunavut does not require a territorial permit to haul non-hazardous solid waste. Waste management happens mostly at the community (hamlet) level. Beyond the Environmental Protection Act, there is little territorial regulation. Nunavut also poses unique logistics problems. Most communities can be reached only by air or sealift. Waste infrastructure is minimal.
What permits do I need to haul dumpsters in Nunavut?
Territorial requirements
Nunavut does not require a territorial transporter licence to haul non-hazardous solid waste.[1] Nunavut inherited its Environmental Protection Act from the Northwest Territories when it was created in 1999. The Act bans the deposit of contaminants except at approved sites. It does not set up a licence system for transporters.
Community requirements
Hamlets (communities) run waste management in Nunavut. Each hamlet operates its own dump site. Iqaluit, the capital, has a municipal solid waste facility. It charges tipping fees. You need a business licence from the relevant hamlet.
Warning
Nunavut is a very hard market for dumpster rental. Most communities are fly-in only, with no road links. Equipment must come in by sealift (summer only) or air freight. Most construction happens in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, and Cambridge Bay. Research the logistics well before you consider this market.
What are the environmental compliance requirements?
All waste must go to the disposal sites each community designates.[1] Nunavut faces major waste management problems. Permafrost, limited infrastructure, and shipping costs all play a part. It costs a lot to ship recyclable materials south for processing.[2]
What insurance do I need in Nunavut?
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required |
|---|---|
| Commercial Auto Liability | $2,000,000 (Nunavut standard) |
| Workers' Compensation | Required through WSCC for all employers |
The Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) covers both Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
Official References
| # | Resource | Agency | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Environmental Protection Act, R.S.N.W.T. (Nu) 1988, c. E-7 | Government of Nunavut | statute |
| 2 | Nunavut Department of Environment — Waste Management | Government of Nunavut | website |