Scrap metal licence

If you wish to trade in metals or motor salvage, you'll need to apply for either a site licence or a mobile collector's licence or both.

There are 2 types of licences:

1. Site licence - allows you to buy and sell scrap metal from a fixed authorised site
2. Collector’s licence - allows you to collect scrap metal from door to door collections

Eligibility criteria

• the licence is valid for three years from the date of grant
• applicants for a licence must not be disqualified from keeping scrap metal
• applicants must be 18 years or older

Before you apply, you will need

1. 2 photographs of yourself, one of which is endorsed as a true likeness of you by a solicitor or notary, a person of standing in the community or any individual with a professional qualification
2. a valid Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check certificate which is dated within the last 3 months, or your 9-digit share code, along with the last 6 numbers of your certificate number so we can check your result
3. proof of your home address i.e. utility bill or bank statement
4. completed tax check  
5. a relevant environmental permit, exemption or registration

Legislation summary

View the Scrap Metal Dealer's Act 2013.

Applying for a licence

Apply for a new site or mobile collector's licence

If you're applying for either a new site or new mobile collector's licence, we advise you to read the guidance notes ^{(PDF, 184kb)} before applying.

As part of the application, a current criminal record check is required. This must be no more than three months old at the date of submission.

Applicants will be required to apply for their criminal record check through the Disclosure and Barring Service.

If you have any questions, email the Disclosure and Barring Service or call 0300 020 0190.

Renewal of a licence

Renewal of site or mobile collector's licence

Fees

Note. Where separate application and compliance fees are listed applicants will still need to pay both fees before the licence is issued for use, the total fee can be paid at the time of application.

Applicants who wish to pay the fees separately can do so, the application fee is paid at the time the application is submitted and the compliance fee is paid after the licence is granted prior to issue.

Application process

As part of the application, a current criminal record check is required. This must be no more than three months old at the date of submission. Applicants will be required to apply for their criminal record check through the Disclosure and Barring Service.

If you have any questions, email the Disclosure and Barring Service or call 0300 020 0190.

All applications received will be forwarded to the police and the Environment Agency for comments.

Will tacit consent apply

No. Your licence will only be issued to you when all the necessary inspections /checks have been carried out.

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Page last updated: 16 April 2024