Waste Oil Heaters in Canada Turn Waste into Warmth & Sustainability

In the quest for a greener and more sustainable future, Canada has been making remarkable strides to mitigate its environmental impact. One noteworthy initiative is the promotion and regulation of waste oil heaters across the country. By creating policies to encourage waste oil heaters in Canada, the country is not only promoting energy efficiency and cost savings, but also demonstrating its commitment to environmental preservation and responsible resource management.

Waste oil heater policies in Canada differ by province and territory. Understanding the specific rules and regulations in each area will guarantee proper disposal of used waste oil.

Benefits of Waste Oil Heaters

Waste oil heaters offer a sustainable alternative for dealing with used oil. These innovative heating systems are designed to burn used oil as fuel, converting waste into energy. By harnessing the heat produced from the combustion of used oil, these heaters provide an efficient and cost-effective solution to heat commercial, industrial, and even residential spaces.

1. Waste oil heaters are environmentally friendly: Recycling used waste oil reduces greenhouse gas emissions and prevents it from being improperly disposed of and polluting the air, water, and soil.
2. Waste oil heating is more energy efficient: Waste oil is a readily available and renewable resource that requires little energy consumption. One gallon of used oil contains the same amount of energy as 18 kilowatt hours of electricity.
3. Burning waste oil provides cost-effective heating: Waste oil heaters turn used oil into free heat, eliminating the need to purchase new fuel and significantly reducing energy costs. A waste oil heater can pay for itself in as little as a year.
4. Waste oil heaters eliminate liability risks: Strict regulations on the transportation and disposal of used oil mean businesses can be held liable for mishaps. Burning it in a waste oil heater virtually guarantees safe and lawful disposal.

Canadian Waste Oil Heater Policies

In Canada, waste oil heater policies vary among provinces and territories. The following guidelines provide a general overview, but residents should check with their local fire marshal or government agency for specific restrictions and regulations.

Yukon Territory

In the Yukon, the Department of Environmental Regulations permits the burning of waste oil in space heaters and approved furnaces. To ensure compliance, all oil burners in the Yukon must have approval from the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Underwriters Laboratory of Canada (UL), or the YTG Protective Services Branch. Furthermore, only uncontaminated waste oil may be disposed of through incineration. Failure to comply with these regulations may lead to fines for operators.

Additionally, individuals burning waste oil must obtain the appropriate permit. Those solely using their own waste oil need a Special Waste Disposal Permit, while those accepting oil from other generators should apply for a Special Waste Facility Permit. Both are available at no cost through the Department of Environmental Regulations in the Yukon. For further information or to apply for a permit, contact (867) 667-568.

Northwest Territories

Incinerating waste fuel and used oil is allowed, provided that the operator possesses a relevant permit and uses approved receptacles and locations. Individuals interested in burning used oil must register with the Chief Environmental Protection Officer (EPO) and maintain comprehensive activity records. If the annual consumption is below 200 liters, certain regulations may not apply, but proper management of materials must still comply with the Environmental Protection Act. Any business looking to burn waste oil must register their used oil burner in with the Used Oil and Waste Fuel Management Regulations.

For the sake of public health, waste oil burning is strictly prohibited in residential areas. For inquiries regarding the registration process, please contact the nearest ENR office.

Nunavut

In Nunavut, used oil and waste fuel can be utilized for heat recovery through burning from boilers and furnaces. To ensure safety and compliance, all burners must be approved by the Underwriters Laboratory of Canada, the Canadian Standards Association, or any other testing agency that the Fire Marshal deems acceptable. While special permits or licensing are not required in Nunavut, it is mandatory for all burners to have an exhaust vent connected to the outside ambient air for safety reasons. In addition, used oil should not be blended or diluted with other hydrocarbons and detailed written records should be kept by operators.

British Columbia

The Ministry of Environment, under the Government of British Columbia, has established comprehensive rules that permit incineration. However, each type of fuel must meet certain specifications, and both residents and businesses are required to maintain up-to-date records. While mixing waste oil with compliant hydrocarbon fuels is allowed, it must adhere to further regulations, with documentation required. Other blending may be permitted with prior approval. For further details, refer to BC's Hazardous Waste Legislation and Regulations.

Alberta

In Alberta, the government supports burning waste fuel and used oil as a safe and economical recycling alternative, provided it adheres to the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. Facilities must register under the Code of Practice for Energy Recovery or obtain approval, and combustion units must meet Canadian Standards Association requirements for oil burning equipment. Additionally, storage tanks for recyclables and alternate fuels must comply with the Alberta Fire Code. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in fines or penalties.

Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment has guidelines for incinerating used oil and waste fuels, with permits potentially required to ensure compliance with air quality standards. All waste burners must conform to CSA or ULC standards, as well as local fire codes and residential regulations that vary by municipality. For those using used oil for space heating, the requirements include burning at a rate below 500,000 BTUs per hour, maintaining a distance of over 100 meters from residences, and only using oil from personal vehicles. Questions about these policies can be directed to the Ministry's Client Services Office at 1-800-567-4224.

Manitoba

In Manitoba, a permit is mandatory for anyone involved in the handling or transportation of hazardous waste. Used oil must be stored in approved aboveground tanks, and mixing with other substances is prohibited unless specified by CSA standards. Additionally, all combustion gasses must be vented outside, and equipment must meet provincial and local fire standards. For further details, individuals can reach out to their local Fire Marshal or contact the Manitoba Branch of Environmental Approval Hazardous Waste Program.

Ontario

Ontario’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change regulates used oil as hazardous waste, overseeing its transport, incineration, and disposal to protect air, land, and water quality. Burning waste oil is allowed in Northern Ontario with a required permit, while it is prohibited in Southern Ontario. Residents and businesses in Northern Ontario must obtain a permit to burn waste fuel; they can contact the Ministry toll-free at 1-800-565-4923 to find the nearest office.

Quebec

The Environmental Quality Act in Quebec prohibits emitting, depositing, or burning hazardous materials into the open air. However, burning waste fuel for space heating is allowed. For individuals or entities wishing to burn waste fuel in a burner, a permit from the Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Wildlife, and Parks is necessary. There are exemptions to this requirement for those who were issued permits before 1998 and facilities operating off Quebec's highway system.

New Brunswick

The New Brunswick Department of Environment and Local Government’s regulations permit individuals or entities that produce used oils to burn the substance as fuel, provided they use an approved furnace owned by the producer. The burning of used oil must be limited to a rate of less than 15 liters per hour per premises. Additionally, all furnaces used for burning crankcase oil must comply with the standards specified in both provincial and municipal laws. For more detailed information, it is advised to consult your local Fire Marshal.

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia’s Department of the Environment requires businesses and institutions to properly handle hazardous materials, including the identification and classification of hazardous waste. The Used Oil Regulations under the Environment Act outline specific requirements for the use, storage, treatment, recycling, and disposal of waste oil. To burn waste oil as fuel, operators must obtain prior written approval from the Administrator, notify them at least 30 days in advance, ensure the oil is uncontaminated (verified by a laboratory certificate), and submit an annual report detailing the volume of used oil burned during the previous year by January 31st.

Prince Edward Island

The Office of Communities, Land, and Environment in the Province of Prince Edward Island stipulates that businesses and individuals generating hazardous waste must register with the department as a "hazardous waste generator." To obtain a Provincial Identification Number (PIN), all generators need to complete a Waste Carrier/Generator/Receiver Registration Form.

Businesses are required to maintain comprehensive records of all hazardous waste management activities. Individuals should get in touch with the Air Quality and Hazardous Materials Office at (902) 368-5037 to acquire the necessary permit and obtain further information.

Newfoundland

Newfoundland's stance on the combustion of used oil shifted with the introduction of the Used Oil Control Regulations and the Air Pollution Control Regulations in 2004, allowing combustion under strict compliance with these guidelines. Key requirements include that combustion equipment must meet Air Pollution Control Regulations, used oil can only be burned according to manufacturer instructions, and all equipment must have approved emission control devices. The burning rate must not exceed the equipment’s design, and individuals must obtain written consent from the Minister to burn used oil. Any approval issued will be in accordance with Section 78 of the Environmental Protection Act.

Waste oil heater policies in Canada are a commendable step toward sustainable energy solutions and waste management. As these policies evolve, Canada moves closer to a future where waste oil is transformed from a burden into a valuable resource for generating warmth and sustainability.

Lanair is the largest manufacturer of factory direct sold waste oil heaters in the world. We are committed to developing user-friendly products that help reduce both your overhead costs and your carbon footprint. For more information, contact us today.