Does a waste hauler need provincial approval in Ontario?

Ontario says that, unless exempt, environmental permissions for waste transportation systems may include an Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) or registration in the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR). That is the wording on the Ontario government's page on environmental permissions for waste transportation systems, and construction debris is waste.

The same page sets out the difference. EASR registration applies where only waste transportation vehicles are used and the work includes only the collection, handling, transportation or transfer of EASR waste. An ECA is needed for more than that, and for waste mixed with asbestos. Existing ECA holders whose systems are prescribed must register in the EASR by August 1, 2028.

At the City level, the City of Ottawa's list of businesses that require a municipal licence has no bin-rental, disposal-bin or waste-hauler category. So the permission that matters for a bin company is provincial, not municipal.

This site does not check any company's ECA, EASR registration or other permissions, and it says nothing about whether a given company holds one. If it matters to you, ask the company directly whether it holds an ECA or an EASR registration for the waste your project produces.

Asbestos is its own case. Ontario's Reg. 347, s.17 allows asbestos waste to travel only in a rigid, impermeable, sealed container, or in bulk under an approval that specifically allows it, and never with other cargo. It never goes in an ordinary bin; removal and disposal are covered at ottawaabatement.com.

Put your permission question to the company in writing with the quote, and keep its answer with the agreement.