Scrap Metal dealers
The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 has brought about a greater degree of control of scrap metal movement in the UK and supports legitimate dealers whilst providing powers to deal with unscrupulous operators.
The Act requires that all persons carrying on a business as a scrap metal dealer must be licensed by all Local Authorities in whose area they conduct business.
Failure to be licensed is an offence.
On this page
— Types of license
— Regulations
— Documents and application forms
— Which license do you need?
— How to pay for a license
Types of license
There are two types of licence that cover scrap metal dealing:
- A site licence - which costs £500.00, or
- A collectors licence - which costs £255.00
You can apply for a new license or renew or amend an existing license using our Scrap Metal Dealers Online Application Form.
There is also a £44.00 administration fee to make amendments to any licence.
Fees are set by each Local Authority, so they do vary but are based upon the anticipated costs of running the licensing regime. Each licence lasts for three years.
Once issued, a site licence must be displayed in a prominent position either on the premises, or, for a collectors licence, on the vehicle used for the collection of scrap.
The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 gives us powers to approve a licence depending on the suitability of the applicant. We can also refuse or revoke a licence depending on various considerations identified within the Act.
Regulations
The Act brings into force three important elements which must be adhered to by the scrap metal dealer:
- Verification of the supplier’s identity
- Scrap can no longer be bought for cash
- Records of scrap bought or disposed of must be kept.
Scrap metal dealers cannot now receive scrap without confirming and keeping copies of the identity of the supplier who must provide their full name and address, evidenced by providing separate documentation.
A dealer can now only buy scrap using a non-transferable cheque or by the electronic transfer of funds. Copies of all cheques must be kept.
The scrap metal dealer must also keep detailed records of all suppliers, persons to whom they sell to, a detailed log of the metal itself and copies of any payments received. Records must be kept in a manner which allows the information and the scrap metal to which it relates to be readily identified by reference to each other. All records must be kept for a minimum of 3 years from the date that the metal was received or disposed of.
Documents and application forms
- The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013
- The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 - what records need to be kept
- Scrap Metal - Home Office guidance (December 2013)
- Apply for a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- Scrap Metal Dealer online application form
Which license do you need?
There is currently some debate regarding the differentiation between the need for a site or collectors licence. This has arisen as a site licence is only needed per site from which you operate, whilst a collectors licence is needed from each local authority in which you operate. This can be more expensive if collecting from multiple local authorities’ areas.
Currently (this is subject to change pending future guidance/case law) we consider that a site licence can be applied for any relevant address and does not mean there has to have scrap actually present. If you operate from your home address this could potentially be considered for a site licence. However you will need to ensure you have the appropriate waste management and planning permissions in place.
However a site license only allows you to collect to and from the site and therefore would apply only to prearranged visits to specified addresses to collect scrap. If you are intending to visit an area unannounced to locate and buy potential scrap then you will need a collectors licence.
This map of Hampshire shows which local authorities you will need to contact locally depending on the area proposed.
How to pay for a license
Licences can be paid for by one of the following means:
- Payment when making an online application
- A cheque made payable to Winchester City Council
- By credit or debit card by calling the Environmental Health Team on 01962 848097