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Scrap metal dealer licence
You need a licence to buy, sell or collect scrap metal.
You must have a scrap metal dealer licence if you buy, sell or collect scrap metal. This includes motor salvage businesses.
The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 replaced earlier scrap metal and motor salvage legislation. The Act gives us and the police powers to refuse, revoke or inspect licences where businesses do not meet legal requirements.
It is an offence to trade scrap metal without a licence.
Find out more about a scrap metal dealer licence on GOV.UK
Who needs a licence
You need a licence if your business:
- buys or sells scrap metal
- collects scrap metal from homes or businesses
- dismantles vehicles or salvages parts for sale
Scrap metal includes:
- any old, waste or discarded metal
- anything containing metal that is broken or no longer useful
It does not include gold, siler or alloys with more than 2% gold or silver content.
Licence types
There are two types of licence and both work differently.
Site licence
A site licence is required for businesses operating from a fixed location. You can transport scrap to and from that site within any council area.
You must name a site manager for each site.
Collector's licence
A collector's licence is required if you collect scrap metal door-to-door.
The licence is only valid in the issuing council's area. If you collect in more than one council area, you need a separate licence for each.
Before you apply
You must:
- be a suitable person to hold a licence - we will consider any previous convictions or refusals
- be able to prove you are a legitimate trader
- apply for a basic Disclosure and Barring Service certificate - basic DBS check on GOV.UK
Each person named on your application, including the the site manager and business director must apply for a basic DBS check.
We will consult with the police, the Environment Agency and other councils before granting or renewing a licence.
How to apply or renew
To apply or renew your licence, you will need to complete and submit the application form.
Allerdale area
Carlisle area
Cost and fees
Visit the Cumberland Council fees and charges webpage.
Licence conditions
To comply with the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, licence holders must:
- check and record the name and address of anyone selling scrap metal
- not pay cash for scrap metal - payments must be made by bank transfer or cheque
- keep records of all scrap metal received and disposed of for at least 3 years
You must also display the licence clearly:
- at each site where the public can see it (for site licences)
- on each vehicle used and visible from the outside (for collector's licences)
Failure to meet the licence conditions is a criminal offence and may lead to prosecution or your licence being revoked.
Further guidance about the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 on GOV.UK
Scrap metal licence public register
You can view the scrap metal dealer site and mobile licence holders on our public register.