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.

Collector’s 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 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.Application for Scrap Metal Licence [50kb]

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