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Scrap metal

The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013

Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013

Anyone wishing to run a scrap metal dealer or motor salvage business must have a licence.

A person carries on a business as a scrap metal dealer if they:

  • carry on a business which consists wholly or partly in buying or selling scrap metal, whether or not the metal is sold in the form in which it was bought, or
  • carry on a business as a motor salvage operator.

Scrap metal includes:

  • any old, waste or discarded metal or metallic material, and
  • any product, article or assembly which is made from or contains metal and is broken, worn out or regarded by its last holder as having reached the end of its useful life.

There are two types of licence, one for a site and the other for a mobile collector:

  • a scrap metal dealer collector's licence permits the licence holder to collect commercial and domestic scrap metal or
  • a scrap metal dealer site licence permits the licence holder to operate as a scrap metal dealer from the site, including transporting scrap metal to and from the site, from any council area.

A scrap metal dealer is only permitted to hold one type of licence in any one local authority area.

Site(s) established after 1990 are required to have planning permission.

If you store or process metal at your site you may also need an environmental permit. Check if you need a permit on GOV.UK.

Suitability of applicant

Apply 

Applications forms can be downloaded from Associated documents below. Completed application forms and enclosures must be made with the appropriate fee to the relevant council:

Bracknell Forest: Apply and make payment online 

West Berkshire: by post to Licensing, Council Offices, Market St, Newbury, RG14 5LD or scanned and emailed to Licensing@westberks.gov.uk

Fees

Please view the current licensing Fees and charges to find out how much you will need to pay. 

Payment

Make a payment for West Berkshire applications.

Duration

Each licence will be valid for three years from the date of issue. The Environment Agency hosts a public register for scrap metal dealers who are licensed by their local authority.

Appeals

Any applicant who is refused a licence or wants to appeal against a condition attached to the licence can appeal to the Magistrate's Court within 21 days of notice of the decision.

Please be advised of current updates for the trade below: 

Tax changes from HMRC for Scrap Metal Sites and Collectors: 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/confirm-your-tax-responsibilities-when-applying-for-a-taxi-private-hire-or-scrap-metal-licence

Associated documents

many items of scrap metal
Bracknell Forest
West Berkshire
Wokingham