Waste Oil Heaters in Canada Turn Waste into Warmth & Sustainability

In the quest for a greener and more sustainable future, Canada has been making significant 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 ensure 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. There are many benefits to using waste oil heaters in Canada, including:

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 that occur, even when another company is hauling away the waste. 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. 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.

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. 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.

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. For further details, refer to BC's Hazardous Waste Legislation and Regulations.

Alberta

In Alberta, the burning of waste fuel and used oil is subject to regulation in alignment with the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. If you intend to burn used oil or waste fuel, it is mandatory to register with Alberta Environment and obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Before proceeding, ensure that your heater or burner adheres to all local fire and safety standards. For any further inquiries, direct your questions to the Alberta Environment Regional Office.

Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment has established guidelines for the incineration of used oil and waste fuels. Although having a permit is not mandatory, the Ministry may request one to ensure compliance with ambient air quality standards. To adhere to regulations, all waste burners must be designed and constructed in accordance with CSA or ULC standards. Additionally, they must meet local fire codes and residential standards, which can vary by municipality. Those interested in using used oil for space heating must follow these requirements:

• Burn at a rate slower than 500,000 BTUs/hr.
• Keep waste oil equipment at least 100 meters away from all residences, including secondary residences like cottages.
• Burn only waste oil from their own personal vehicles or obtained from other individuals for vehicle maintenance.

For any queries or clarifications, individuals can contact the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment 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. Moreover, all machines used for burning used oil must meet the fire standards set by the province and local authorities. For further details, individuals can reach out to their local Fire Marshal or contact the Manitoba Branch of Environmental Approval Hazardous Waste Program.

Ontario

Residents and businesses burning waste oil must strictly adhere to the regulations outlined in the Environmental Protection Act. In Northern Ontario, waste fuel burning is allowed, while it is prohibited in Southern Ontario. For those planning to burn waste fuel in Northern Ontario, a permit from the Ministry is required. To locate the nearest office, call 1-800-565-4923.

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

In Nova Scotia, used oil burning is permitted throughout the region. However, individuals or businesses intending to use waste oil as a fuel source must adhere to specific regulations:

• The oil used for burning must be free from contamination; this must be verified by a laboratory analysis.
• Those wishing to burn waste fuel must provide advance notification to an administrator at least 30 days in advance.
• Prior written approval from an Administrator is required for all parties engaging in waste fuel burning.
• For those who burn waste fuel throughout the year, a written report detailing the amount of oil burned in the previous year must be submitted before January 31.

Residents using crankcase oil from personal vehicles in an approved oil burning furnace are exempt from the above rules. However, they still need to obtain written approval from an Administrator to use their burners on their premises.

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

In Newfoundland, both residential and commercial waste oil burning for fuel is permitted, but certain conditions must be met:

• All furnaces, boilers, or burners must comply with Air Pollution Control regulations.
• Burning of used oil, waste products, or any other material in a combustion process machine is only allowed if done following the manufacturer's instructions.
• All combustion equipment must include emission control devices approved by the Minister.
• The rate of oil burning must not exceed the equipment design.
• Written consent from the Minister is required for anyone wishing to burn used oil in an approved machine.

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.