Scrap metal and motor salvage licence

You will need a licence if you want to run a business that buys or sells scrap metal or are a motor salvage operator.

The legislation concerning Scrap Metal Dealers and Motor Salvage Operators is the Scrap Metals Dealers Act 2013.

There are 2 different types of scrap metal licence and all licences are valid for 3 years:

Site licence

If you have a site or premises where metal is stored you will need to apply for a site licence, which allows the licence holder to carry on business at any site in the council's area.

Collector's licence

If you do not store scrap metal and work as a mobile (door-to-door) collector, you will need to apply for a collector's licence.

Fees

The application fees for a 3 year licence are:

• collector licence - £550
• site licence - £700
• changing a licence - £75
• replacement licence - £35

Before you start

You should read the collector's licence statutory requirements and the site licence statutory requirements before you apply.

You must provide the following documents with your application:

• environment agency permits and/or waste carrier licence
• basic criminal records disclosure certificate - all applicants will require one of these. The certificate must be dated within 3 months of submitting your application and is available from Disclosure Scotland
• photographic ID - all applicants must present either a valid photocard driving licence or passport in person
• evidence of Home address - this can be a utility bill, council tax demand/statement, bank or credit card statement
• evidence of bank details - confirming details supplied in the application e.g. bank statement