Scrap metal dealers without licences face fines

New rules which came into force this month mean that scrap dealers who have not registered with their local authority face a fine of up to £5,000.

Anyone collecting, buying or selling scrap metal and any motor salvage operators will need a licence from their local authority to operate under the new Scrap Dealers Act 2013.

In East Lindsey, the District Council is responsible for the granting of such licences and already more than 20 scrap metal dealers have applied for one of the two new licences.

A site licence will allow a dealer to operate a site and collect any scrap relevant to that site, and a collector’s licence will allow its owner to collect scrap only within the authority area that it was issued. To apply for a licence a scrap metal dealer must submit a basic disclosure certificate from Disclosure Scotland.

The Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Councillor Craig Leyland, said “I am pleased that scrap metal dealers are choosing to abide by the law and register with the Council. The new licensing gives the Council greater power of enforcement over those unscrupulous dealers who do not abide by the law and gives the public peace of mind when using scrap metal dealers and street collectors. It is important that anyone who uses the services of any type of scrap metal dealer checks that the operator has the appropriate licence. I would urge anyone who operates this type of business to come forward and apply for the relevant licence.” 

Anyone who is carrying out business as a scrap metal dealer without a licence may be liable for a fine of up to £5,000.

These licences do not replace the Waste Carrier’s Licence. To collect scrap in East Lindsey a dealer will be required to hold a licence issued by the Council as well as a Waste Carriers Licence issued by the Environment Agency.