Compliance
Compliance & licensing
Scrap metal is a regulated trade. Here is how we work, so you know exactly what to expect before you arrive or before we collect.
Licensed dealer
Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013
We operate as a licensed scrap metal dealer under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, with a site licence for the yard at Nantwich. Our licence details are displayed at the yard and are available on request — ring 01270 611447 and we will read them out or send them over.
Identification
ID checks on every transaction
The law requires us to verify and record the identity of everyone we buy metal from, every time. Please bring photo identification and proof of your address.
- Photo ID — current UK photocard driving licence or passport
- Proof of address — recent utility bill, council tax bill or bank statement
- Bank details in the same name for payment
- For a business, authority to sell on that business's behalf
More detail in our guide: what ID do I need to sell scrap metal?
Payment
No cash payments
Cash payments for scrap metal have been unlawful since 2013. We pay by bank transfer or cheque, to the person or business named on the identification, and every payment is recorded against the transaction.
Waste duty of care
Transfer notes and carrier registration
Where we collect from a business, the load is covered by a waste transfer note and carried by a registered waste carrier. You keep a copy for your own records and for inspection by the Environment Agency. Our registration details are available on request.
Environmental permitting
The yard and end-of-life vehicles
The Nantwich site operates under the environmental permitting regime for metal recycling, with the storage, drainage and handling controls that requires. End-of-life vehicles are de-polluted before processing and the DVLA is notified, with a Certificate of Destruction issued for the vehicle.
Records and data
What we keep, and why
We keep the records the legislation requires for each transaction, including the identification checks and payment details, for the retention period set out in law. How we handle personal information is set out in our privacy notice.
Need our licence or permit numbers?
Contractors and procurement teams often need them for their own files. Ring the yard on 01270 611447 or email barrie@garrattsmetals.com and we will send the current details across.
Not sure what your scrap is worth?
Prices move daily. Give us a ring and we'll tell you what we're paying today — no obligation, no nonsense.