Scrap metal dealers registration

Registration summary

If you operate a scrap metal yard or collect scrap metal door to door, then you will need to register with your local authority. Scrap metal includes old metal, broken, worn out and partly manufactured articles.

  • A scrap metal dealer shall be classed as carrying on a business in the local authority area if any of the following apply:
  • the dealer occupies a place as a scrap metal store in the area
  • the dealer does not occupy a place as a scrap metal store but has a usual place of residence in the area
  • the dealer does not occupy a place as a scrap metal store but occupies a place for business purposes.

In addition to the requirements under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964, you may need to register with the Environment Agency as a waste carrier. Please see Registering as a waste carrier for guidance.

Eligibility criteria

The registration is valid for three years from the date of issue and.  We do not charge for this service.

Please read our conditions of registration(pdf, 29KB).

Legislation summary

The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964

Application evaluation process

Applicants must provide the following:

  • their full name
  • the address of the dealer, or in the case of a company, their registered or principal office
  • the address of each place occupied as a scrap metal store, if any
  • if the business is carried on without a scrap metal store;
  • if the business is carried on without a scrap metal store bu the applicant occupies a place for the purposes of business, and the address of such a place.

When an application is received a licensing officer will carry out the necessary checks in accordance with the registration conditions(pdf, 29KB).  The registered dealer must notify the local authority of any changes to these details or if they cease to be a scrap metal dealer.

Will tacit consent apply?

No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. Your registration will only be issued to you when all the necessary checks have been carried out and the premises meets the required standards.

How to apply

EUGO - Part of the EUGO network

Apply online

Apply for scrap metal dealers licence

Apply by post

Please download and fill in the application form(pdf, 24KB) and send it to us at the contact address below.

Failed application redress

Any person who is refused an application can appeal to the Magistrates' Court.  However, we would recommed you contact you local authority in the first instance.

Licence holder redress

Please contact your local authority in the first instance.

Consumer complaint

We would always advise in the first instance that in the event of a complaint, you make contact with the trader, if you are not satisfied with their response please contact the licensing team on the details below.

Other redress

Please contact the licensing team on the details below.

Trade associations

Contact the Licensing Team

If you have any questions or comments please contact Licensing

Licensing

2nd Floor
Civic Centre
44 York Street
Twickenham
TW1 3BZ

Telephone: 020 8831 6455
Fax: 020 8891 7713
Email: licensing@richmond.gov.uk