Pollution Control

The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 (the Act) (opens in a new tab) was passed on 28th February 2013 and came into force on 1st October 2013. 

The Act repeals the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964 and consolidates scrap metal dealers & motor salvage operators under one licensing regime. Local Authorities will continue to act as the main regulator but the new Act gives Licensing Authorities more powers, including the power to refuse a license and powers to revoke licenses if the dealer is considered unsuitable. Both the Local Authority and the Police have been given powers to enter and inspect premises.

The Act defines a "scrap metal dealer" as a person who is for the time being carrying on a business as a scrap metal dealer, whether or not authorised by a licence.

It further states that "scrap metal" includes:

(a) any old, waste or discarded metal or metallic material, and 
(b) 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 following is not considered to be "scrap metal":

(a) gold, 
(b) silver, and 
(c) any alloy of which 2 per cent or more by weight is attributable to gold or silver.

Records Required to be Kept

Once you have registered you must keep the following records:

• Details of all scrap metal received at the premises.
• Details of all scrap metal processed at or dispatched from the premises.

The details to be kept for scrap metal received are:

• The description and weight of the metal;
• The date and time of receipt of the metal;
• If the metal is received from another person the name and address of that person;
• The price of the metal if it has been ascertained at the time the entry is made in the book;
• If no price has been ascertained, the estimated value of the scrap metal;
• The registration mark of any mechanically propelled vehicle used to deliver the scrap metal.

The details to be kept for scrap metal processed or dispatched are:

• The description and weight of the metal;
• The date of processing or dispatch, and in the case of processing, the process applied;
• Where scrap metal is dispatched for sale or exchange, the name and address of the person to whom it is sold or with whom it is exchanged and the consideration for which it is sold or exchanged;
• Where scrap metal is dispatched or processed other than for sale or exchange, its estimated value before being dispatched or exchanged.

Entries must be made immediately upon receipt, processing or dispatch and books containing records must be kept for two years following the last entry.

Local Government Association Guidance

The Local Government Association has provided some useful guidance (opens in a new tab) to assist applicants and Local Authorities with the implementation of the new Act. 

 

How to Apply 

Before you apply, you and every person listed on the application form needs to submit a Basic Disclosure Certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (England & Wales) (opens in a new tab).

All applications must be accompanied by the relevant fee, a completed application and the Basic Disclosure Certificate.

 

Current Fees

Site licence (3 year):

• New £545
• Renewal £486

Collectors licence (3 year):

• New £354
• Renewal £354

For further information on Scrap Metal Dealers, please contact the Pollution Control Team:

Tel: 01437 764551
Email: ContactCentre@pembrokeshire.gov.uk