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Scrap Metal Licence

Do I need a Licence?

The dealing in scrap metal or the running of a scrap metal business is controlled by the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964.

If you are thinking of starting or have a scrap metal business, you need to register with the local Authority.   Registration with West Somerset Council is required where a scrap metal dealer: 

  • has a scrap metal store located within West Somerset, OR 
  • no place is occupied by him as a scrap metal store, whether in that area or elswhere, but he has his usual place of residence in that area,  OR
  • no place is occupied by him as a scrap metal store, whether in that area or elsewhere, but a place in that area is occupied by him wholly or partly for the purpose of dealing with scrap metal

Every person who is registered under the above Act is required to keep a written record at each scrap metal store of all scrap metal received.  This record must include:

  • The description and weight of the scrap metal
  • The date and time of the receipt of the scrap metal
  • If the scrap metal is received from another person, the full name and address of that person
  • The price, if any, payable in respect of the receipt of the scrap metal if that price has been ascertained at the time when the written record is to be made
  • If the above is not applicable, the value of the scrap metal as estimated by the dealer
  • The registration number of any vehicles delivering scrap metal

Scrap metal dealers are also required to record the following in relation to a scrap metal store:

  • The description and weight of the scrap metal
  • The date and type of processing or the date of dispatch
  • The full name and address of the person the scrap metal has been dispatched to and the value of the transaction
  • If the scrap metal has been dispatched without sale or exchange, the value of the scrap metal as estimated by the dealer

Both records should be kept for a minimum of 2 years from the last entry date and should be available for inspection by an Officer of the West Somerset Council or the Police if requested

Any change in particulars affecting the register must be notified to the authority within 28 days of the change.

Registration lasts for 3 years and must be renewed before the current registration expires.

Eligibility Criteria

A scrap metal dealer shall be classed as carrying on a business in the local authority if any of the following apply:

  • The dealer occupies a place as a scrap metal store in the area
  • the dealer does not occupy a place as a scrap metal store but has a usual place of residence in the area
  • the dealer does not occupy a place as a scrap metal store but occupies a place for business purposes.
Regulation Summary

The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964.

Application Evaluation Process

Applicants must provide the following:

  • their full name
  • the address of the dealer, or in the case of a company, their registered or principal office
  • the address of each place occupied as a scrap metal store, if any.  If the business is carried on without a scrap metal store but the applicant occupies a place for the purposes of business, the address of such a place.

The registered dealer must notify West Somerset Council of any changes to these details or if they cease to be a scrap metal dealer.

Will Tacit Consent Apply?

Yes - this means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority within 28 days of your application.

Failed Application Redress

Please contact the local authority in the first instance.

Licence Holder Redress

Please contact the local authority in the first instance.

Consumer Complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferable in the form of a letter (with proof of delivery).  If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice.  From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre. 

To Apply

Download a copy of the application form from the related documents section on this page or contact the Environmental Health & Licensing Team.

Please send in your completed application form with any supporting documentation (requested in the application form) to: West Somerset Council, West Somerset House, Killick Way, Williton, Taunton, Somerset TA4 4QA.

Online

Apply for registration as a scrap metal dealer

Apply to change details of a scrap metal dealer

We look forward to receiving your application and if you have any difficulty with any of the forms or have any questions, please contact us on 01643 703704 or email customerservices@westsomerset.gov.uk or complete the online form.

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