Scrap metal dealer

The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 requires that any person or business wishing to carry on as a scrap metal dealer must register with their local authority.

A site licence

Each site where a person carries on a business of buying/selling scrap metal (e.g. a scrap yard) within a Local Authority area must be listed on a Site Licence granted by that Local Authority.

Each site must also have a named site manager recorded on the licence.

A site licence authorises the holder to transport scrap metal to and from the site(s) listed on the licence.

A collector’s licence

A collector’s licence authorises the holder and the holder alone to collect scrap metal within the Local Authority area which has issued the licence.

They cannot collect scrap metal in any other Local Authority area without first obtaining a separate licence from the other Local Authority concerned.

A collector’s licence does not authorise the holder to operate a site.

Each person who travels in a vehicle collecting scrap metal must hold a collector’s licence.

It is a criminal offence to be in a vehicle which has engaged in the collection of scrap metal if you do not hold a collector’s licence.

Fees

Site licence

• New: £625
• Per Additional Site: £560
• Renewal: £460
• Renewal Per Additional Site: £395
• Minor Variation: £30

Collectors licence

• New: £260
• Renewal: £220
• Minor Variation: £30

Apply

• Scrap metal dealer application form

Licences are valid for 3 years.

Policy and legislation

• Scrap Metal Dealers Policy
• Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013