Scrap metal dealers

Do I need a licence to deal in scrap metal?

Under The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013

If you are a person who for the time being is carrying on a business as a Scrap Metal Dealer whether or not authorised by a licence, you will require either a Scrap Metal Dealer Site Licence or Scrap Metal Collector Licence within each district your trade in.

The definition of a Scrap Metal Dealer is 'someone carrying on a business which consists wholly or in part of buying or selling scrap metal whether or not the metal is sold in the form in which it is bought'.

Scrap metal policy February 2018 (word 159kb opens in a new window)

Scrap Metal Dealer Site Licence

If you trade in scrap metal or motor salvage from fixed location within the East Riding of Yorkshire district you need to apply for Scrap Metal Dealer Site Licence.

Scrap Metal Collector Licence

This is a person that carries on a business as a scrap metal dealer otherwise than at a site, and regularly engages in the course of that business in collecting waste materials and old broken/worn out or defaced articles by means of door-to-door visits.

What is classed as scrap metal?

Scrap metal is defined as:

'any old waste or discarded metal or metallic material and any product article or assembly which is made from or contains metal and is broken/worn out or regarded by its last holder as having reached the end of its useful life'.

The only exemption to this is gold and silver, or any alloy which is 2% or more by weight attributable gold or silver.

Do I need a licence to transport scrap metal?

You may need to be registered with The Environment Agency. For information regarding a waste carriers licence please call:

Tel: (01482) 651446

Alternatively, you can visit the Environment Agency website:

GOV.UK - Register or renew as a waste carrier, broker or dealer (external website)

How do I apply for a scrap metal dealer licence?

Applications for a scrap metal dealer licence can only be accepted from persons over 18 years of age.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council have a scrap metal policy, where it details our approach to licensing scrap metal dealers and full requirements of the licensing authority.

If you do not already hold a scrap metal dealer licence within the East Riding, you will need to apply using the below application form:

Apply online for a scrap metal licence. 

Email: licensing@eastriding.gov.uk

Along with this application you must submit all supporting documentation as listed below, but applications without all supporting documents will not be accepted.

• Basic Criminal Record, not older then 3 months old on the date of application. Basic Criminal Record (external website)

• The appropriate fee (£500 for a scrap metal dealers site licence) (£380 for a scrap metal collectors licence)
• Fee for ID badge and vehicle plate if applicable. 
• One passport photograph (please note: only required for collector applications)
• Collectors only: Details of all vehicles used for collecting scrap, to include make, model, colour and registration number.

A Scrap Metal Dealer licence will last for 3 years once granted.

Please note: if you are applying for a collector licence, you must book an appointment with the Licensing Team to verify your identity documents.

Contact us by email at

Email: licensing@eastriding.gov.uk

The identity document must be either a valid passport or a DVLA photocard.

A tacit consent does not apply to this application.

What if I have convictions?

There are relevant offences under The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, to which the Licensing Authority can consider to determine your suitability to hold a licence, these are listed below:

Relevant Offences (pdf 28kb opens in new window)

Licensing Authorities may also take into consideration other aspects as outlined in the below statutory guidance:

Scrap Metal Dealer licensing - Guidance for Licensing Authorities (pdf 173kb opens in new window)

How do I pay?

You can pay by the following means:

• Credit or debit card by calling (01482) 396297
• A cheque made payable to 'East Riding of Yorkshire Council'
• Visit a local customer service centre to make payment.

Current fees

Renewal fees

Other fees

Will I be granted a scrap metal dealer licence?

The Local Authority can consider any information it deems relevant to asses the applicant's suitability to be issued a scrap metal dealer licence.

This may include:

• Criminal Record Check, relevant convictions of the operator or site manager
• the applicant has been refused, or had revoked a scrap metal dealer licence
• the applicant has been refused a relevant environmental permit or registration.

All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

A tacit consent does not apply to this application.

Can I change my scrap metal dealer licence?

You can apply to change a detail on your licence for example the registered address of the licence holder, change of name or apply for a replacement licence. The fee for minor changes is £25. Please email licensing@eastriding.gov.uk for further advice. 

You can also apply to vary your scrap metal dealer site licence to a scrap metal mobile collector's licence.

The fee for this £200.

All requests for a change to your scrap metal dealer licence must be put in writing to licensing@eastriding.gov.uk.

What are the offences under The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013?

The following offences can be committed under The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. 

What happens if I do not apply for a scrap metal dealer licence?

If you trade in scrap metal without a valid licence in place you will be committing an criminal offence which on summary of conviction holds a maximum fine of level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000).

How do I know if a dealer is licensed?

A list of all licensed scrap metal dealer can be viewed on our public register.

You can also check the licence of a scrap metal dealer on The Environmental Agency public register.

How do I report an unlicensed scrap metal dealer?

You can check if a dealer is licensed by checking the Scrap Metal Dealers public register.

To report an unlicensed scrap metal dealer you can contact us online.

Alternatively, send us an email:

Email: licensing@eastriding.gov.uk.