Scrap metal dealers

This page contains information on the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964 and Vehicles Crime Act 2001, including information on how to register.

The dealing in scrap metal or the running of a scrap metal business is controlled by the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964. No person may carry on the business of a scrap metal dealer unless they are registered to do so by their local authority.

Anyone operating as a scrap metal dealer within the borough of Oadby and Wigston is required to register with the Council. Failure to register such a business is an offence.

Some exemptions may apply. Contact officers of the Council's Licensing section for further information. Contact details can be found on the left of this page.

Scrap metal dealers are required to keep a book at each place occupied by him as a scrap metal store where he must record the details of all scrap metals:-

• received at that place
• processed at that place
• dispatched from that place

Two books may be kept where the metal processed and or dispatched from a place is not received at that place.

Definition of a scrap metal dealer

For the purposes of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964 a scrap metal dealer is defined as any person who carries on a business that consists wholly or partly of buying and selling scrap metal, whether it is sold in the form it was bought or otherwise.

A person is deemed to be carrying on a scrap metal business if:-

• a place in the area is occupied by him as a scrap metal store, or
• no place is occupied by him as a scrap metal store in the borough or elsewhere, but he has his usual place of residence in Oadby and Wigston or
• no place is occupied by him as a scrap metal store in the borough or elsewhere, but a place in Oadby and Wigston is occupied by him for the purpose of that business.

Registration application form.

Scrap metal dealers who operate their business from within the borough of Oadby and Wigston must apply to register with the Council.

Download an application form Scrap Metal Dealer Registration Form (PDF Document, 16.64 Kb)

Registration fee

Currently there is no fee to register as a scrap metal dealer.

Registration validity period and renewal information

Registration will last for three years from the date of issue and any renewal must be submitted to the Council's Licensing section no later than two months before the expiry of the current authorisation.

Once you are ready to proceed

You may send the forms and other documents back to us by post or visit the Council offices in person and submit your application. No appointment is necessary to visit our Customer Services team, who are able during normal Council working hours, to make a preliminary check of your application and documents and provide help with completing the application forms.

Summary of legislative requirements to operate a business to deal in scrap metal

A summary of the specific records that are to be kept by a scrap metal dealer:-

• the description and weight of the metal,
• the date of processing or dispatch, and in the case of processing, the process applied,
• where scrap metal is dispatched for sale or exchange, the name and address of the person to whom it is sold or with whom it is exchanged and the consideration for which it is sold or exchanged and
• where scrap metal is despatched or processed other than for sale or exchange, its estimated value before being dispatched or exchanged.

All entries must be made immediately upon receipt, processing or despatch and books containing records must be kept for two years following the last entry.

Any person found guilty of failing to register a scrap metal business or to notify the local authority of alterations in the appropriate particulars shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding £1,000.

Any person found guilty of failing to notify a local authority that a business has ceased shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding £200.

Any person found guilty of failing to keep the proper prescribed records shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding £1,000.

Any person found guilty of acquiring scrap metal from a person under the age of 16 shall on conviction be liable to a fine not exceeding £200.

Any person who obstructs the entry of an authorised inspector or fails to produce any book or document which the officer has a right to inspect shall on conviction be liable to a fine not exceeding £200.

Where a person is convicted of failing to register or failing to keep records of dealings the court may make an order imposing restrictions on the dealer for a period not exceeding two years.

If you, have information to pass on the Council or you require more information, about this subject please contact us.

Online Application

Licence summary

To be a scrap metal dealer, you need to register with your local authority.

Eligibility criteria

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.

Regulation summary

A summary of the regulation relating to this licence

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 but the applicant occupies a place for the purposes of business, and the address of such a place.

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?

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the target completion period.

Apply online

Apply for registration as a scrap metal dealer.

Tell us about a change to your existing registration as a scrap metal dealer.

Failed application redress

Please contact your local authority in the first instance.

Licence holder redress

Please contact your local authority in the first instance.

Consumer complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the United Kingdom (UK), Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre

Other redress

For example about noise, pollution and so on. Also should one licence holder complain about another.

Trade associations

British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA).

International Aluminium Institute.

International Lead Association.

Metal Bulletin.