Apply for a scrap metal dealer licence

There are two types of licence under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013:

• a site licence
• a collectors licence.

A site licence authorises the licensee to carry on a business at any site(s) in the authority’s area which is identified on the licence.

A collectors licence covers dealers who do not have a site and regularly collect through door-to-door collections. It authorises the licensee to carry on a business as a mobile collector in the authority’s area. A dealer also includes someone carrying on a business as a motor salvage operator.

The applicant has to be a ‘suitable’ person to carry on a business as a scrap metal dealer, which means the authority has to take into account:

• Whether the applicant or site manager has been convicted of any relevant offence, or enforcement action. (A list of relevant offences is downloadable in the documents section.)
• Any previous refusal of an application for issue or refusal and the reasons.
• Any previous refusal for application of a relevant environmental permit.
• Any previous revocation of a scrap metal licence.
• Whether the applicant has demonstrated that there will be in place adequate procedures to ensure the act is complied with.

If the applicant is a company, the following people have to be suitable:

• any director
• secretary
• shadow director.

In determining whether an applicant is suitable, the authority can consult:

• any other local authority
• Environment Agency (England)
• police.

How to apply

Please download and complete the application form below and return to us with the appropriate fee.

A basic disclosure must be enclosed for every person listed on the form.

For a collectors licences please also enclose two passport sized photographs, one of which must be endorsed on the back as a true likeness.

Documents