The UK Government passed the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 with the intention of regulating scrap metal dealers, collectors and motor salvage operators. The Act replaced all of the existing legislation for motor salvage operators and scrap metal dealers. There are two types of scrap metal dealers licences. A site licence and a collectors licence.
What type of licence do I need?
Site licence
A site licence authorises a licence holder to carry on business as a scrap metal dealer from specified sites within the local authority area. A site licence authorises the licence holder to trade in scrap metal across local authority borders but does not authorise the site to regularly engage in door to door collections within the local area.
Collectors licence
A collectors licence authorises a licence holder to engage in regular door to door collections within the local authority area. It does not authorise the licence holder to trade in other local authority areas. A collector’s licence will cover any person who is lawfully employed by the licence holder to collect in the local authority area. If a person is not employed by the licence holder and works on a self-employed basis they must obtain their own collector’s licence.
Exemptions
If scrap metal is a by-product of your business you may be exempt from the need to be licensed, it will be necessary for you to prove the proportion of your business that consists of dealing in scrap metal.
How do I apply for a licence?
To apply for a licence you must complete a Scrap metal application form (.pdf | 337kb) and return it to the licensing section with the relevant fee and any additional documents specified in the application.
Before completing the Scrap metal application form (.pdf | 337kb) please read the guidance attached to the back of the form.
Registration Fees
- Site Licences - charge £230
- Collectors Licences - charge £215
- Additional Site - charge £100
- Variation - charge £150
- Renewal - charge £180
- Change of Details - charge £25
- Replacement Licence - charge £25