Scrap metal licence

The dealing in scrap metal or the running of a scrap metal business is controlled by the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.

No person may carry on the business of a scrap metal dealer unless they are registered to do so by Trafford Council.

Am I eligible?

A scrap metal dealer shall be classed as carrying on a business in Trafford 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.

Further guidance on registration is available in our Scrap metal dealers guidance notes.

How will my application be evaluated?

Applicants must provide the following information:

  • 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.
  • If the business is carried on without a scrap metal store but the applicant occupies a place for the purposes of business, and the address of such a place.

You must notify us of any changes to these details or if you cease to be a scrap metal dealer.

Apply online

What happens next ?

Your application should be process and your Registration document issued with 14 days. If you have not heard from us within this time, please contact us.

You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service.

What if I have been refused registration?

You should contact us in the first instance.

What happens if you fail to comply?

If you do not have a licence or do not comply with any of the conditions, you may be prosecuted, fined up to £5000 and/or imprisoned for up to 3 months, or both. If found guilty under this Act, the defendant's licence may be cancelled and they may be disqualified for such length of time as the Court thinks fit.

Consumer complaints

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the service provider by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Advice Guide will give you advice or you can contact us directly. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

What happens if you fail to comply?

Any person found guilty of failing to register a scrap metal business, failure to notify the local authority of alterations in the appropriate particulars, or failure to keep the proper prescribed records shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding £2,500.

Any person found guilty of failing to notify a local authority that a business has ceased, found guilty of acquiring scrap metal from a person under the age of 16, or obstruction of an authorised inspector shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding £500.

This authority is under a duty to protect the public funds it administers, and to this end may use the information you have provided to us for the prevention and detection of fraud. It may also share this information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for these purposes. For further information on data matching to prevent and detect fraud and corruption see the Council's Level 2 National Fraud Initiative Privacy Notice. For further information you can also refer to Trafford Council’s own Privacy Notices.