How should old lead paint scrapings be disposed of in Ottawa?

We found no Ottawa rule for lead paint scrapings from a residential renovation. The City of Ottawa says waste from building construction, renovation or demolition, such as plaster and drywall, is not collected with regular garbage.

The practical starting point is to ask your contractor how they plan to handle the waste before work begins. A contractor doing lead paint work should be able to tell you where the waste will go and how it will be bagged and carried out. Because we found no published Ottawa rule on this specific waste stream, the contractor's answer and any documentation they provide is what you have to work with.

A few things worth confirming in writing before the job starts:

• The method of removal, the dust containment measures, and the cleanup procedure, because these affect how much debris is generated and in what condition.
• Where the waste goes.
• A current WSIB clearance. You can search a contractor's current clearance on the WSIB website; a clearance is valid for up to 90 days.

Ontario's lead guideline notes that section 30 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act requires a project owner to determine whether lead is present and to inform prospective contractors. How section 30 applies when the owner lives in the home is not settled, so if you are unsure of your obligations, ask the contractor or the Ministry of Labour.

To compare quotes from local contractors, the request form on this page reaches contractors listed in the Ottawa Construction Network directory, who reply by email.

Before signing, ask each contractor to put the disposal plan, the containment method, and the cleanup scope in writing so you have a clear record of what is included.