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Scrap metal dealers

Any company that makes any payment for scrap metal during the course of their business should be licensed.

The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 has combined regulations for scrap metal dealers and motor salvage operators. 

It is against the law to pay cash for scrap metal offered to you.  Any payment must be received by cheque or electronic transfer (authorised by debit or credit card).

The licence is valid for 3 years.

Site licence

If scrap metal dealing takes place at your business then you need to hold a site licence.  A site manager also needs 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

If you are collecting scrap metal you need to have a collectors licence.  You need to have a separate licence for each local authority area you collect from.  The licence does not authorise you to operate a site.

A scrap metal dealer can only hold one type of licence in any one local authority area. You should decide if you are going to have a site or a mobile licence in any one area.

Keeping records

Every scrap metal dealer must have at each store location a book detailing all scrap metal received at that specific store and all scrap metal either processed or dispatched from that specific store.  In the book you should record when receiving scrap metal:

  1. the description and weight of the scrap metal;
  2. the date and time of the receipt of the scrap metal;
  3. if the scrap metal is received from another person, the full name and address of that person. A copy must be kept of any documents used to verify the name and address;
  4. the registration number of any vehicle that carried the metal to the store;
  5. if the dealer pays for the metal by cheque, a copy of that cheque;
  6. if the dealer pays by electronic transfer they must keep the receipt or if not available a record of the particulars of the transfer.

When processing or dispatching scrap metal you should record:

  1. whether or not it is in the same form in which it was received;
  2. whether or not the disposal is to another person;
  3. whether or not the metal is dispatched from a site;
  4. the description and weight of the scrap metal;
  5. the date and time of its disposal;
  6. in the case of scrap metal dispatched on sale or exchange, the price or other consideration for which it is sold or exchanged;
  7. if the disposal is to another person, the full name and address of that person.

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How to apply

Apply for a scrap metal dealers licence Apply for a scrap metal dealers licence

You must complete the application form in full.  You will need to pay the application fee when you submit your form. 

Fees

You must submit your fee with the application. 

If you apply by post you should make cheques payable to 'City and County of Swansea' and send it with your completed form.

Fees for scrap metal dealer licences
Licence typeFee
Scrap metal site licence£472.00
Scrap metal collectors licence£299.00

 

Tacit consent

It is in the public interest that we must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please Contact Trading Standards.

 

If you have any problems with your application or would like more information then please contact us on 01792 635600 or email trading.standards@swansea.gov.uk. Any applicant who is refused a licence or who wishes to appeal against a condition attached to their licence can appeal to their local Magistrates' court.

Natural Resources Wales hold a register (opens new window) of all licensed scrap metal dealers in Wales.

Apply for a scrap metal dealers licence

You can use this form to apply for a site licence or collector's licence.
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