Scrap dealer

No person may carry on the business of a scrap metal dealer unless they are registered to do so by their local authority.

A person is deemed to be carrying on a scrap metal business in Tandridge if:

A place in the Tandridge District Council area is occupied by him as a scrap metal store.
A scrap metal store is not located within the area, but Tandridge District Council is the usual place of residence.
A scrap metal store is not located within the area, but premises within Tandridge District Council are occupied wholly or partly for the purpose of dealing in scrap metal.

Registration as a scrap metal dealer shall last for 3 years and must be renewed on or before the expiry date if the registered person wishes to carry on as a scrap metal dealer.

Making an application

You are advised to speak to the duty planning officer to ensure that any proposed scrap metal storage site does not require planning permission before submitting an application for registration. To make an electroninc application through BusinessLink, click here This link will open in a new window (This link will open in a new window). A fee is payable with any application.

If you have any problems with the online application, please report it on the BusinessLink feedback form. This link will open in a new window (This link will open in a new window)

Registration details

The register will contain information concerning the dealer, the business and home addresses. Before registering any person as a scrap metal dealer the Council will require the following information:

The full name of the dealer.
The address of the dealer or in the case of a body corporate the registered or principal office.
The address of each place in Tandridge District council that is or will be used as a scrap metal store.
If the business is carried on from the applicants place or residence, notice of that fact.
If the premises are used for a scrap metal business but not as a scrap metal store notice of that fact and the address of the premises.

The Council must be notified within 28 days of any alterations to a registered person's or business' particulars, or if the business ceases to operate.

How long does the registration last for?

3 years and then lapses; the dealer must then renew the registration.

Records required to be kept

Every person who is registered under the above Act is required to keep a written record at each scrap metal store of all scrap metal received at that place and all scrap metal either processed at or dispatched from that place. Two books may be kept where the metal processed and or dispatched from a place is not received at that place. This record must include:

The details to be kept for scrap metal received are:
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.

The details to be kept of scrap metal processed or dispatched are:

The description and weight of the metal.
The date of processing or dispatch, and in the case of processing, 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.

Entries must be made immediately upon receipt, processing or despatch and books containing records must be kept for two years following the last entry.

Where a person satisfies the Council that the business is part of the business of an itinerant scrap metal collector, the Council after consultation with the Police may make an order requiring that on the sale of any scrap metal he shall obtain from the purchaser a receipt showing the weight of the metal and the aggregate price at which it was sold. These receipts must be kept for two years and must be produced on demand to any body authorised to require their production.

Where a scrap metal dealer does not occupy a scrap metal store and is not registered as an itinerant then the reference to keeping a book at a scrap metal store shall be construed as a reference to keeping a book either at the dealers usual place of residence or at any other place occupied for the purpose of the scrap metal business. The references to the receipt, processing or despatch of scrap metal at or from a place shall be construed as the receipt, processing or despatch of scrap metal during the course of business. Particulars must be entered in the book as soon as is practicable.

Where a dealer occupies a scrap metal store and is not registered as an itinerant and scrap metal is received and disposed of other than at registered premises then entries in the required books must be made as soon as is practicable at the business nearest registered store.

Rights of entry

Any Police constable has a right at any reasonable time to inspect registered premises, records kept on those premises and scrap metal kept on the premises.

The Council has powers of entry of ascertain if premises are being used as a scrap metal store.

Offences and penalties

Any person found guilty of failing to register a scrap metal business or to notify the local authority of alterations in the appropriate particulars shall be liable on conviction to a fine.
Any person found guilty of failing to notify a local authority that a business has ceased shall be liable on conviction to a fine.
Any person found guilty of failing to keep the proper prescribed records shall be liable on conviction to a fine.
Any person found guilty of acquiring scrap metal from a person under the age of 16 shall on conviction be liable to a fine.
Any person who obstructs the entry of an authorised inspector or fails to produce any book or document which the officer has a right to inspect shall on conviction be liable to a fine.

Where a person is convicted of failing to register of failing to keep records of dealings the Court may make an order imposing restrictions on the dealer for a period not exceeding two years.