Scrap metal dealers licences

To run a business as a scrap metal dealer you need to apply for a licence.

What type of licence do I need?

There are two types of licence available in the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. A scrap metal dealer can only hold one type of licence in any one local authority area. You have to decide whether you want a site or a collector's licence.

Site licence

If you have a site licence, you must identify all the sites where you work as a scrap metal dealer and name a site manager for each site. You can transport scrap metal from any local authority area to and from these sites.

Collector's licence

If you have a collector's licence, you can operate as a collector in the area of the issuing local authority. You cannot operate in any other local authority area so you need a separate licence from each council you wish to operate in.

Before you apply

Before you apply, read the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013: supplementary guidance.

You and every person on your application will also need to request a basic DBS check.

How to apply

If you would like to:

apply for a grant or renewal of a scrap metal dealers site or collector's licence
apply to add a new site manager

What happens next?

We will carry out an inspection of your premises to ensure they meet the requirements of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act. Cleveland Police can also choose to inspect your premises.

Applications are subject to a 28 day consultation period. We aim to complete the application process within 30 working days (if no representations are made regarding the application).

If your application is successful, your licence will run for 3 years from the date it is granted. You will need to apply to renew your licence before your current licence expires.

Tacit consent

Tacit consent does not apply in respect of these applications.

Tacit consent means that if we have not dealt with licence applications within the target period then the application can be deemed to have been granted or approved.

It is in the public interest that we process your application before it can be granted.

If you have not heard from us within 10 working days, contact us on 01642 524802 or licensing@stockton.gov.uk.

Refusals

If we refuse your application, you may be able to appeal this decision to the Magistrates' Court or First-Tier Tribunal.

Full details will be included in any refusal notice.

Contact us

Contact the Licensing Team for advice on any licence or to make a complaint about a licensed business.

Phone: 01642 524802

Email: licensing.administration@stockton.gov.uk