Scrap metal dealers registration

The dealing in scrap metal or the running of a scrap metal business is controlled by the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964.To trade as a scrap metal dealer you must register with your local authority.

You have to register with us if:

• you occupy a place as a scrap metal store in Tower Hamlets
• you do not occupy a place as a scrap metal store but have your usual place of residence in the borough
• you d not occupy a place as a scrap metal store but occupy a place for business purposes

Registration as a scrap metal dealer lasts three years and must be renewed on or before the expiry date, if the registered person wishes to carry on as a scrap metal dealer.

How to register

Before registering as a scrap metal dealer, you will be asked to provide the following information:

• Your full name
• Your address or the address of the principal office
• The address of each place in the borough, that is or will be used as a scrap metal store
• If the business is carried out from your place of residence, notice of this
• If premises are used for a scrap metal business but not as a scrap metal store, notice of this and the address of the premises.

You must notify us within 28 days of any alterations to your or your business' particulars, or if the business ceases to operate.

Records to be filed

Every scrap metal dealer must carefully store, at each scrap metal storage place occupied by him, a book detailing all scrap metal received at that place and all scrap metal either processed or dispatched from that place.

Details to be kept for received scrap metal include:

• The description and weight of the metal
• The date and time of receipt of the metal
• If the metal is received from another person the name and address of that person
• The price of the metal if it has been ascertained at the time the entry is made in the book
• If no price has been ascertained, the estimated value of the scrap metal
• The registration mark of any mechanically propelled vehicle used to deliver the scrap metal

Details to be kept for processed scrap metal include:

• The description and weight of the metal
• The date of dispatch or processing, and  the process applied
• Where scrap metal is dispatched for sale or exchange, the name and address of the person to whom it is sold or with whom it is exchanged and the consideration for which it is sold or exchanged
• Where scrap metal is dispatched or processed other than for sale or exchange, its estimated value before being dispatched or exchanged

Apply

Download a copy of the application form (pdf, 189 kb)  or apply online through the Businesslink website. You will be contacted in writing on receipt of the application form and a site visit will be arranged.

Alternatively you can obtain a copy of the application form from our offices, where you can also inspect a copy of the The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964. More information on the regulation can be found at the Office of Public Sector Information's website.

Please contact us for any further help or advice.

Complaints

If you have any complaints regarding your application, please contact us.

Consumer complaints

We would advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, please contact us.

If you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Contact us

Tower Hamlets Licensing Section

Mulberry Place
PO Box 55739
5 Clove Crescent
London E14 1BY

Tel: 020 7364 5008
Fax: 020 7364 6901

Email: licensing@towerhamlets.gov.uk