Scrap metal

The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 requires anyone collecting or buying scrap to have a scrap metal dealer’s licence from their local council. Motor salvage operators are also included.

Anyone who carries out business as a scrap metal dealer without a licence may be liable on conviction to maximum fine of £5,000.

There are two types of licence:

Site licence

This is required where business is carried out at a premises. A site manager must be named for each site. The licensee is then permitted to operate from that site as a scrap metal dealer, including transporting to and from the site from any local authority area.

The charge for a site licence in Newark and Sherwood is £375.

Collectors licence

This authorises the licensee to operate as a mobile collector in the area of the issuing local authority, permitting them to collect scrap metal as appropriate. This includes commercial as well as domestic scrap metal. If a mobile collector operates within more than one local authority’s district, a licence will be required for each authority that (s)he operates in.

The charge for a collector’s licence in Newark & Sherwood is £150. 

A scrap metal dealer can only hold one type of licence in any one local authority area. You’ll have to decide whether to apply for a site or a collector’s licence.

Applying for a scrap metal dealer licence

You can apply for your scrap metal dealer licence by completing the scrap metal dealer application form [50kb] and returning it to us, along with the correct fee. You’ll need to submit a basic criminal record disclosure form as part of the application process.

These licences do not replace the waste carrier’s licence. To deal in and collect scrap in Newark and Sherwood you’ll also be required to hold a licence issued by us, and a waste carriers licence that is issued by the Environment Agency. Apply for a waste carriers licence online.

If you need any help in making your application, contact the Councils’ licensing team on 01636 650000 or email request@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk