Apply for a scrap metal dealer licence

Documents required before submitting an application

You will need to apply for a Basic Disclosure Certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Your DBS Disclosure is only valid for three months from the date that the disclosure was issued by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Other permissions that may be required

You may need other permissions to those required from us.

These must be obtained before you begin your licensed activities. Please note that this list gives a general guide and is not a complete list:

Planning permission

Check if you need planning permission before you make a licence application by emailing planning.applications@derby.gov.uk. 

Waste carriers licence

You will may need to register with the Environment Agency for a waste carriers licence.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

You may need to register with the Health and Safety Executive.

Apply for a licence

How to apply

1. View the scrap metal guidance.

2. Complete the scrap metal dealers Scrap metal dealer - new and renewal application form. 

3. Ensure you have obtained the required supporting documentation and submit this with the application form. Any application received without supporting documentation will not be processed.

4. View and pay the licence fee prior to submitting your application. Our licensing payments page explains what fees apply and how to pay them.

5. Email the following to licensing@derby.gov.uk:

• completed application form
• supporting documentation
• a copy of your payment receipt.

You must include the supporting documentation and a copy of your payment receipt with the application.

Any application received without a payment receipt or supporting documentation will not be processed.

Responsibilities once licensed

Collectors licences

A scrap metal dealer who holds a collectors licence must display the licence in any vehicle that is being used in the course of the dealers business.

The licence must be displayed in a manner which enables it easily to be read by a person outside the vehicle.

A scrap metal dealer who fails to comply with this section is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine.

Site licences

A scrap metal dealer who holds a site licence must display the licence at each site identified in the licence. The licence must be displayed in an area accessible to the public.

A scrap metal dealer who fails to comply with this section is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine.

Unsuccessful applications

If representations are made against an application, then the application will be heard by our Licensing Committee. The hearing must be carried out within 20 working days ('working day' is any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a Bank Holiday) from the end of the consultation period.

An appeal process is available to the applicant and those who made representations to an application, if they are not satisfied with the decision of the licensing committee.

We issue a notice of the decision to the applicant and anyone who made relevant representations. Appeals can be made against new, variation, renewal and the revocation of licence applications. 

Any appeal must be lodged at the local Magistrates' Court within 21 days of the date the applicant was informed of the committee's decision. 

Authorities able to comment on applications

These authorities are able to comment on applications made under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.

Exemptions

If scrap metal is a by-product of your business you may be exempt from the need to be licensed, it will be necessary for you to prove the proportion of your business that consists of dealing in scrap metal. Examples of businesses that may be able to claim exemption are:

• builders
• plumbers
• electricians
• motor vehicle repair garages
• engineering workshops
• where scrap metal is recovered or produced as the result of the main purpose of the business.

Privacy notice 

The Licensing Team is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy when you use our services.

Please view Licensing Team Privacy Notices for further information. Printed copies are available on request.