Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013

Definitions

The Act defines a scrap metal dealer as a person who is for the time being carrying on a business as a scrap metal dealer, whether or not authorised by a licence.

It further states that "scrap metal" includes;

• any old, waste or discarded metal or metallic material; and
• any product, article or assembly which is made from or contains metal and is broken, worn out or regarded by its last holder as having reached the end of its useful life

The following is not considered to be scrap metal;

• gold
• silver; and
• any alloy of which 2% or more by weight is attributable to gold or silver

Key features of the Act

• all individuals and businesses complete an enhanced application process to obtain a scrap metal dealer licence. Local authorities will have the power to turn down unsuitable applicants
• local authorities have the power to revoke a licence
• all sellers of metal to provide personal identification at the point of sale, which is recorded by the scrap metal dealer
• extending the offence of buying metal with cash to itinerant metal collectors
• new powers for the police and local authorities to enter and inspect sites
• creating a central public register, hosted by the Environment Agency, of all individuals and businesses licensed as scrap metal dealers
• widening the definition of a scrap metal dealer to include motor salvage operators

Scrap Metal Register

https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-scrap-metal-dealers