Scrap metal

Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, you must have a licence from Colchester City Council if you operate a business in the area that buys, sells or collects scrap metal.

Businesses that need a licence

You need a licence if your business:

• buys or sells scrap metal, or items containing metal, either at a site or through mobile collections
• recovers salvageable parts from motor vehicles to reuse or sell
• buys written-off vehicles for repair and resale
• trades motor vehicles for salvage or recovery
• collects, buys or sells items for their metal content, such as household goods or end-of-life vehicles

Gold and silver (including alloys with more than 2% gold or silver) are not covered by the Act.

Small-scale dealers may still need a licence if scrap metal makes up a significant part of their income. Manufacturers selling scrap as a by-product are usually exempt.
If you’re unsure, email eps.support@colchester.gov.uk.

Types of licence

Licences are valid for 3 years. You can only hold one type of licence from Colchester City Council.

• Site licence – for businesses operating from a fixed location in Colchester.
• Mobile collector’s licence – for individuals collecting scrap metal door-to-door in Colchester.

If the nature of your business changes, you can apply to change your licence.

If you want to operate in more than one council area, you must apply separately to each council.

Apply for a scrap metal licence