Selling scrap metal in England is straightforward, but it is regulated, and a merchant who ignores the rules is a merchant to walk away from. Here is what to expect from any licensed yard, including ours.
Every dealer must be licensed
Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, every scrap metal dealer and mobile collector in England and Wales must hold a licence issued by the local council. A site licence covers a yard; a collector's licence covers someone going door to door.
If you are dealing with a collector, you are entitled to ask to see the licence. If they cannot show one, the metal they take from you is not being handled lawfully.
Cash payments are not allowed
The same Act banned cash payments for scrap metal. Licensed dealers pay by bank transfer or cheque so that every transaction is traceable. Anyone offering you notes for your scrap is breaking the law, and it puts you in an awkward position too.
Bring your bank details with you. Payment goes to the person named on the ID.
You will be asked for ID
Dealers must verify and record the identity of everyone they buy from. In practice that means photo identification such as a driving licence or passport, plus something showing your address, for example a recent utility bill or bank statement.
Your details are recorded against the transaction and kept for the period the law requires. It is not nosiness; it is what keeps stolen metal out of the trade.
Waste transfer paperwork
If you are a business, the metal leaving your premises is waste until it is recycled, so it needs a waste transfer note and the carrier taking it needs to be a registered waste carrier. Keep your copy — the Environment Agency can ask for it.
Households do not need a transfer note for their own scrap, but the yard still records the transaction.
Sell only what is yours
It sounds obvious, but tenants, contractors and house clearers all get caught out. Fittings, boilers, radiators and cable removed from a property belong to whoever owns them until it is agreed otherwise. Get it in writing where there is any doubt.
What to bring to our yard
- Photo ID — driving licence or passport
- Proof of address — utility bill, bank statement or similar
- Bank details for payment
- For vehicles, the V5C log book if you have it
- Any questions — ring the yard first on 01270 611447