Scrap metal dealer licences

In this section:

  1. You are here: Do I need a scrap metal dealer licence? Do I need a scrap metal dealer licence?
  2. You are here: Site licences Site licences
  3. You are here: Collector's licences Collector's licences
  4. You are here: Our Scrap Metal Policy Our Scrap Metal Policy
  5. You are here: Contact us Contact us

Do I need a scrap metal dealer licence?

Scrap metal dealer licences

The collection and storing of scrap metal is regulated under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.

You must have a licence if you are:

  • a scrap metal dealer
  • a mobile collector of scrap metal
  • a motor salvage operator
  • a business where buying or selling scrap metal is an integral part of your operation

There are two types of scrap metal licence:

  1. A site licence
  2. A collector's licence

Scrap metal dealer licences need to be renewed every three years.

Restrictions

You must not receive scrap metal from a person, without verifying their name and address.

You must not buy scrap metal for cash.

You must keep a record of all scrap metal you receive, including:

  • a description of the metal(s) (including type, form, condition, weight, identification marks or other distinguishing features)
  • the date and time you received it
  • the number plate of the vehicle it was delivered in or on
  • the name and address of the person you received it from
  • the name of the person who makes payment on behalf of the dealer

You also need to keep a record of the scrap metal you dispose of.

You must keep your records for three years and present them to us, if requested.

You could be fined £5,000 if you don't hold the correct licence.

Site licences

A scrap metal site licence allows you to transport scrap metal to and from licensed sites, from any area.

For each premises that you use as a scrap metal site, you will need:

  • a scrap metal site licence
  • a named site manager

You must display your site licence in a prominent place, accessible to the public, at each site identified in the licence.

Apply for a site licence

Please download and complete our scrap metal dealers licence application form and return it to us.

Alongside your application, you will need to provide:

  • your basic disclosure
  • a valid form of ID (we will need the original document)
  • proof of address
  • two passport sized photographs of the site manager

Please refer to our scrap metal dealer licences application enclosures form for more information.

Fees

A site licence costs £684 and is valid for three years.

Collector's licences

A collector's licence allows you to operate as a scrap metal collector within the area of the licensing authority that issued you with the licence.

If you want to operate in more than one area, you will need to apply for licences from all relevant licensing authorities.

You must display your collector's licence on any vehicle that is being used during your course of business, and where it can easily be read by a person outside the vehicle.

Apply for a site licence

Please download and complete our scrap metal dealers licence application form and return it to us.

Alongside your application, you will need to provide:

  • your basic disclosure
  • a valid form of ID (we will need the original document)
  • proof of address
  • two passport sized photographs of the site manager

Please refer to our scrap metal dealer licences application enclosures form for more information.

Fees

A collector's licence costs £422 and is valid for three years.

Our Scrap Metal Policy

Our Scrap Metal Policy details:

  • information about the two types of licences
  • information about how applicants are assessed
  • our expectations for payments, record-keeping, and metal disposal

and more.

Read our Scrap Metal Policy