Scrap metal and motor salvage licence

If you run a business that wholly or partly buys or sells scrap metal, or you are a motor salvage operator then you must have a scrap metal dealer licence under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.

This licence is issued by us and will be valid for 3 years from the date of issue.

There are 2 types of licences, but you can only hold one.

Site licence

You will need to apply for a site licence if you have premises where scrap metal is stored, bought or sold.

A site manager must be named for the site.

This licence allows the licensee to transport scrap metal to and from a licensed site from any local authority area.

Collector's licence

If you only collect scrap and do not store it, you will need to apply for a collector's licence.

This licence only allows you to collect within Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, you cannot store scrap metal under this licence.

To operate in another area, you must apply for a site licence or collector licence issued by that council/authority.

Fees

Fees for a 3-year licence are:

• collector’s licence (new applications and renewals): £473
• site licence (new applications and renewals): £645
• variations and transfers: £130
• replacement licence: £104

You can pay for the licence by using our online payments system. You must:

1. select "other BCP payments."
2. select "licensing."
3. select "scrap metal dealer licence."
4. use your full name as the reference number.

Before you apply

You must read our scrap metal dealers policy, which sets out what is required of an applicant and how we process applications.

You must have the necessary Environment Agency permits and/or waste carrier licence.

How to apply

To apply for a licence, download and complete the application form.

You must also submit the following documents:

• a basic criminal check for all applicants (for each company director, secretary, or partners in case of a company) from GOV.UK
• photographic ID (for each company director, secretary, or partners in case of a company)
• a passport sized photograph (collector’s only)
• proof of address for all applicants (for each company director, secretary, or partners in case of a company)
• details of the bank account payments will be made into

Send the completed form, required documents and proof of payment to licensing@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.