Apply for a scrap metal dealer's licence
There are two types of licence:
- Site licence - all sites where a licensee carries on business as a scrap metal dealer have to be identified and a site manager has to be named for each site. This licence allows the licensee to transport scrap metal to and from those sites from any local authority area
- Collector's licence - this allows the licensee to operate as a collector in the a rea of the issuing local authority. It does not allow the collector to operate in any other local authority area, so a separate licence has to be obtained from each local authority council area the collector wishes to operate in. The licence does not authorise the licensee to operate a site; to do so they will need a site licence from the relevant local authority
Both types of licence are covered by the same application form and you must provide supporting documentation, as detailed on the application form. This should be returned with the fee, to the licensing team.
How to apply
Send and email to licensing@nuneatonandbedworth.gov.uk and we will send the appropriate forms for you to complete.
Fees
- Grant of a Site licence (three years) - £750
- Grant of a Collector’s licence (three years) - £300
Definitions
The Act defines a scrap metal dealer as a person who is for the time being carrying on a business as a scrap metal dealer, whether or not authorised by a licence. It states that 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
The following are not considered to be scrap metal:
- Gold/silver/any alloy of which two per cent or more by weight is attributable to gold or silver
Key features of the Act
- Local authorities will have the power to turn down unsuitable applicants
- Local authorities have the power to revoke a licence
- All sellers of metal to provide personal identification at the point of sale, which is recorded by the scrap metal dealer
- Extending the offence of buying metal with cash to itinerant metal collectors
- New powers for the police and local authorities to enter and inspect sites
- Creating a central public register, hosted by the Environment Agency, of all individuals and businesses licensed as scrap metal dealers
- Widening the definition of a scrap metal dealer to include motor salvage operators
The Environment Agency holds a national register of all scrap metal dealers licences.