To collect or deal in scrap metal you must have a scrap metal dealer’s licence before you can trade.
Scrap metal includes steel, iron, copper, brass and aluminium. You do not need a scrap metal dealer’s licence for trading in precious metals such as gold or silver.
Scrap metal dealers must keep records from whom and what they are collecting. They cannot buy metal for cash.
Scrap metal dealers may also need planning permission and a waste carrier’s licence.
You're classed as a scrap metal dealer if you:
- operate a business which involves buying or selling scrap metal
- buy or sell scrap metal on the internet
- operate a business as a motor salvage operator
There are 2 types of licence, each is valid for 3 years:
A site licence authorises the licence holder to carry on business at any site in the council's area which is identified in the licence
If a site licence holder uses self-employed mobile collectors to collect scrap metal which will be processed by the site, each collector would need a mobile collector's licence.
A collector’s licence authorises the licensee to carry on business as a mobile collector in the authority’s area. A mobile collector is a person who:
- a) carries on business as a scrap metal dealer otherwise than at a site, and
- b) regularly engages, in the course of that business, in collecting waste materials and old, broken, worn out or defaced articles by means of visits from door to door
This allows the licensee to operate in the issuing local authority area. It does not allow the collector to operate in any other local authority area, so a separate licence must be obtained from each council the collector wishes to operate in.
The licence does not authorise the licensee to operate a site where scrap metal is bought and sold. To do so they will need a site licence.
| Site licence - new application | £767 |
| Site licence - renewal | £437 |
| Mobile collectors new - application | £502 |
| Mobile collectors licence - renewal | £273 |
| Variation to site licence | £229 |
| Change of site manager | £72 |
| Variation to mobile collectors licence | £108 |
| Change of details (site and collector) | £54 |
Apply for a scrap metal licence
Send your completed form to:
Plymouth City Council
Licensing Office
Public Protection Service
Ballard House,
West Hoe Road
Plymouth,
PL1 3BJ
For further information email: [email protected]
Tax Checks
You will need to complete a tax check when you renew your licence to deal in scrap metal.
If you are applying for a licence for the first time, you will not need to complete the tax check. You need to read the guidance on what you need to do to be properly registered for tax.
Complete a tax check for a taxi, private hire or scrap metal licence
Renewing a licence
Every applicant renewing their licence needs to complete a tax check and provide a tax check code on your application, if you are:
- Applying for the same type of licence they previously held, that ceased to be valid less than a year ago
- Applying for the same type of licence they already hold with another licensing authority
When you have completed the tax check, you will get a code. You must include the code on your application form. We cannot proceed with your licence application or renewal until the tax check is completed and we have received the code.
We will only receive confirmation from HMRC that you have completed the tax check, we will not have access to information about your tax.
Further information
If you have not registered to pay tax on earnings from your licensed trade, the following links to check if you need to register, as soon as possible.
- If you’re an employee, find information on PAYE
- If you’re self-employed, find information on registering for Self Assessment
- If you operate through a company, find information on Corporation Tax
You can get help from HMRC if you need extra support, for example if you need information in a different format or need help filling in forms.
Check the register
If you want to know if a premises or operator is licenced you can check the licensing register:
- View the scrap metal dealer site licensing register
- View the scrap metal dealer mobile collector licensing register
If you think someone is unlicensed or you have a complaint you can report the issue.