Do you require a licence to purchase scrap metal? When is it legal to sell scrap metal? Learn the rules of selling scrap metal.
Scrap metal is a great way to make money. It’s not surprising that people want to get in on the action. Even less surprising is that some people are willing to break the law to get large sums of money.
Recently, we’ve heard a few stories reports about people being fined for breaking laws relating to scrap metal. Here’s some advice for anyone looking to sell scrap metal.
Scrap metal is not for sale.
You can sell scrap metal at home or in your car. If you want to collect scrap metal, you will need a license. There are two types of licenses – the site collector’s and mobile collector’s.
It is illegal to collect scrap from other people without a license. This includes asking your neighbors if they can give you any metal to sell.
It should also be obvious that stealing metals from skips, bins, and abandoned sites is illegal for many other reasons.
Do not sell to anyone without a valid license
As mentioned, it’s possible to get a mobile collector license.
If someone comes to your door asking for scrap metal, be sure to ask them to show you their license.
You’ll not only be following the law but you will also get a higher price and rest assured that you are disposing of your scrap properly.
Scrap metal is not worth cash.
Even holders of licenses cannot pay cash for scrap. Cash for scrap is illegal under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. If you are taking scrap to a dealer and they offer to pay in cash, run away.
You can still accept a check, but electronic payments, which deposit the money directly in your bank, are the norm. It’s very convenient.
Deal directly with local scrap dealers
Find a licensed, reputable scrap yard to sell your scrap at the best possible price.
Some merchants will require you to go to the scrap yard yourself. Others may offer scrap collection. Make sure that they are licensed for both!
Singletons has all the necessary credentials. You can trust us because we are ISO 9001-2015 accredited. We’re also a licensed waste disposal station, a treatment facility for scrap vehicles, and a British Metals Recycling Association member.
Contact us with your scrap-metal enquiries if you would like to learn more about our scrap metal services.
