Scrap metal dealers
All individuals and businesses dealing in scrap metal need a licence. There is an enhanced application process to obtain a scrap metal dealer licence, and Crawley Borough Council has the power to turn down unsuitable applicants. The Licensing Authority also has the ability to revoke a licence if appropriate. Trading without a licence is a criminal offence.
There are two types of licence specified in the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013:
- Site licence - this licence allows the licensee to transport scrap metal between registered sites from any local authority area. You must have a scrap metal dealer licence for each scrap metal site, and each site must have a site manager
- Collector licence - this licence allows the licensee to operate as a collector in the area of the issuing local authority. It does not allow the collector to operate in any other local authority area. A separate licence has to be obtained from each local authority the collector wishes to operate in
A collector's licence does not authorise you to operate a scrap metal site. A dealer can only hold one type of licence in any one local authority area. They cannot hold both a site and mobile collector’s licence from the same council. These licences last for three years.
Application checklist
- all applicants must complete an application form
- the application form must be accompanied by the relevant fee
- all applicants must supply a Disclosure and Barring certificate (DBS). This certificate must be dated within three months of the application date
- company directors, partners or secretaries must also supply DBS Certificates
- applicants for site licences must provide a site plan
- applicants for collector’s licences must provide a passport style photograph and endorsement statement
Before applying
Read the guidance for scrap metal dealers
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