The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 replaced the previous registration system for scrap metal dealers created by the 1964 Scrap Metal Dealers Act. Under the new legislation, the definition of scrap metal dealers is extended to include motor salvage operators.
The new legislation will require that any persons collecting, buying or selling scrap within the Ceredigion County Council area will require a Scrap Metal Dealer’s Licence that will be issued by this Council. There will be a charge for this licence.
Who needs to apply for a licence?
A site licence – If you have a site where you carry on a business as a scrap metal dealer within Ceredigion County Council area then you will need to apply for a site licence to operate that site. This site licence will also allow you to transport scrap metal to and from other licensed sites from any local authority area.
A collector’s licence – If you operate as a mobile collector of scrap metal within the Ceredigion County Council area, then you will need to apply for a collector’s licence. This licence does not allow you to collect from any other Local Authority area. You will need to apply for a licence at each authority area within which you wish to operate.
Please note: a scrap metal dealer can only hold one type of licence in any one local authority area. Applicants have to decide as to the appropriate licence to apply for as they cannot hold both a site and mobile collector’s licence within the same licensing authority area.
Any persons who carry out business as a scrap metal dealer without a licence may be liable on conviction to maximum fine of £5,000.
How is my application processed?
If you are applying for a collector licence, you must book an appointment with the Licensing team to verify your identity documents.
Contact us by email at licensing@ceredigion.gov.uk
An application needs to be made for your licence and a fee will be payable to the Council. You will also need to submit a basic Disclosure and Barring form no older than a month old as part of the application process. You will also need to submit two recent, passport sized photographs (Collectors licence application only). We will also need to see photographic identification eg photo card driving licence or passport, proof of address eg utility bill or a, bank statement.
We will consult with the police, Natural Resources Wales, and the Environment Protection section about all applications.
A tacit consent does not apply to this application.
Please note that this does not replace the Waste Carrier’s Licence. To collect scrap in the Ceredigion County Council area you will be required to hold a scrap metal dealers’ licence issued by the Local Authority and a Waste Carrier’s Licence that is issued by Natural Resources Wales.
Duration of licence
A licence, if granted, will be issued for a period of three years from the date of issue.
Register of licences
Natural Resources Wales maintains a register of scrap metal licenses issued by authorities in Wales. The registers can be inspected by the public using the link below.
Natural Resources Wales:
Check for a permit, licence or exemption (Public Register)
Changes for scrap metal licence applications from April 2022
Find out what you need to do to meet new rules if you're applying for a scrap metal licence on or after 4 April 2022: