What you need to know
Every scrap metal dealer is required to have a licence and operating without a licence is a criminal offence.
There are 2 types of licences:
- Site licence - issued for all sites where a scrap metal dealer business is carried out. The licence allows the licensee to transport scrap metal to and from the sites from any local authority area. A site manager must be named for each site.
- Collector's licence - allows the licensee to operate as a collector in the area of the issuing licensing authority only. It does not allow the collector to operate in any other local authority. The licence does not authorise the licensee to operate a site. Where the sale of scrap metal is incidental to the main type of work or business undertaken then no licence will be required.
Read government guidance on scrap metal dealers (opens new window)
Applications will need to be made to Hillingdon Council if the site is located in Hillingdon, or if a collector operates in Hillingdon. A collector may have a number of licences for different local authority areas. You cannot hold a collectors licence and a site licence in the same authority area.
Scrap metal site fees
| Type of licence | Fee |
|---|
| New | £789 |
| Renewal | £646 |
| Variation to collector's licence | £215 |
| Variation to minor details | £72.50 |
Scrap metal collector fees
| Type of licence | Fee |
|---|
| New | £359 |
| Renewal | £322 |
| Variation to change site licence | £431 |
| Variation to minor details | £72.50 |
| Refund or change of address details - admin fee | £79.50 |
What we need to see
When you apply, we will need to see evidence of the following support information:
- a valid DBS check (opens new window) (not older than 3 months)
- relevant environmental permits (if you carry waste as part of your business it is a legal requirement to register as a waste carrier (upper tier).
- bank accounts used
- photographic identification (for example, a passport, driving licence or other acceptable means of identification)
- 2 passport photographs will be required for collector's licences on application.
- Licence holders need to provide the tax code provided by HMRC following completion of the tax check. Licences cannot be issued or renewed until this tax code has been given and authorised. Confirm your tax responsibilities GOV.UK (opens new window)
Fees for licences (PDF, 391 KB)
Apply for a scrap metal dealer licence
Applications will usually be addressed within 10 business days. In some cases, we may propose to refuse an application, or revoke or vary a licence or to add a condition on a licence. In this instance the applicant will be notified and the reasons for the decision will be given.
The notification will give the applicant or licensee the opportunity to make representations or let us know they wish to make representations in respect of the decision. The applicant or licensee will be given 14 days to do this.
If we have not contacted you, please email us at licensing@hillingdon.gov.uk.