If you run a business collecting scrap metal, or a scrap metal site, you must obtain a licence. It is an offence to trade as a scrap metal dealer if you do not have a licence.

You can apply for one of the licenses below:

Site licence

A site licence lets you buy and sell scrap metal from a location within South Cambridgeshire. If there is more than one site, a licence is needed for each location.

Collector's licence

A collector’s licence allows you to travel within South Cambridgeshire to collect scrap metal. A dealer can only hold one type of licence in any one local council area. 

Cash payments must not be accepted to buy or sell scrap metal.

You cannot hold both a site and collector’s licence from the same council.

How to apply for a licence

You can download and complete the application form [DOCX, 38Kb]. Return your completed application by emailing licensing@scambs.gov.uk.

Please submit the following with your application:

• a basic DBS certificate which is less than 3 months old, must be submitted along with the application (this is for each dealer being listed on the licence)
• a tax check code must be completed for dealers, site managers, directors and company secretaries
• an original waste carriers licence must be submitted with the application (if you have one).

Fees

• site licence application fee is £280
• collector licence application fee is £226