Scrap metal dealers licences

The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 states that any persons collecting, buying or selling scrap metal must have a licence. 

Please ensure you read all guidance, information and linked documents before you complete the relevant application forms to save time later.

 Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 guidance notes (PDF 1287KB)

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There are two types of licence, both of which will be valid for 3 years from the date of issue.

Applications can be made by post or sent by email, and we can accept copies of the other documents requested, but we must see the original documents, before the licence is issued to you and will make an appointment with you to do this.  We will confirm receipt of your documents and return all original documents provided to you.

Collector licence

You should apply for a collector licence to operate as a mobile collector of scrap metal in Redbridge. This will allow you to collect commercial and domestic scrap. If you want to collect scrap from other boroughs you must apply to that council or councils.  We require a current Waste Carrier Licence, confirmation of vehicle ownership and insurance and proof of address.

Site licence

You should apply for a site licence if you buy and sell scrap metal at a designated premises. You must name a site manager for each site. This licence also covers the transport of scrap to and from that site within Redbridge. 

How to apply

Please read the guidance notes before you apply to save time in processing the application. 

Apply for a site licence or collector licence (PDF 416KB)

Applications can be sent by post or by email and must be accompanied by Basic Disclosure certificates, issued within the last three months, for every applicant, partner, director and site manager named in the application.  You can apply for a Basic Disclosure online.

Tax declarations and checks

From 4 April 2022, Licensing Authorities must carry out extra checks if an individual, company or partnership applies for a scrap metal or tax driver licence.

You need to complete a tax, check if you are applying for:

• a renewal of a scrap metal licence
• applying for the same type of licence you previously held, that ceased to be valid less than a year ago
• applying for the same type of licence you already hold with another licensing authority

The applicant must provide a valid tax check code issued within the last 120 days and if not included we must ask for it.  We cannot grant or refuse an application without this.

You need to provide a tax declaration if you are applying for:

• a new scrap metal licence
• a licence of the same type which has not been valid for a year or more 

The applicant must give confirmation that they are aware of the guidance about their tax obligations and if not included in the application, we must ask for it.   We cannot grant or refuse an application without this.

Fees

The current cost of a licence, licence renewal and variation are listed below, valid from 1 April 2024. 

Licence type	New	Renewal	Variation	Variation to site licence
Site licence	£877	£742	£182	£459
Collectors licence	£391	£391	£142

Appeals 

To appeal our refusal or other decision of application, please contact us at licensing.authority@redbridge.gov.uk. You should include your name, date of application and reference number if available.