Safety & Regulations FAQs
When it comes to recycling scrap metal or scrapping a car, safety and compliance are essential.
Our FAQs explain the UK’s legal framework for scrap metal trading, the correct licences required, and how Scrap Local maintains high standards to protect both customers and the environment.
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UK Scrap Metal Laws & Licensing
The UK scrap metal industry is highly regulated to protect the public, prevent theft, and ensure safe, traceable transactions.
This section covers the key laws and licences you need to know about before trading or collecting scrap metal.
Are there regulations governing scrap metal sales in the UK?
Scrap metal sales in the UK are strictly regulated to protect the environment, ensure transparency, and prevent illegal activity.
Several key laws work together to govern how metal is collected, stored, transported, and sold:
- Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013
This is the main law regulating the trade of scrap metal. It requires all dealers and collectors to be licensed by their local council, prohibits cash payments, and enforces identity checks for anyone selling scrap metal. The act was introduced to combat metal theft and create a traceable, secure payment process. - Environmental Protection Act 1990
This act governs how waste materials, including metals, are stored, handled, and disposed of. It ensures dealers take all reasonable steps to prevent pollution, protect local environments, and avoid illegal waste disposal. - Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011
These regulations outline how waste carriers and brokers must operate, including the requirement for a Waste Carriers Licence issued by the Environment Agency. It ensures that anyone transporting scrap or waste does so safely and legally. - End-of-Life Vehicle Regulations 2003
These apply specifically to vehicle recycling and require that all cars be processed by Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs). The regulations ensure that vehicles are depolluted, and at least 95% of materials are recovered or recycled, reducing environmental harm. - WEEE Regulations 2013 (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)
These laws apply when scrapping items containing electronics or electrical components. They ensure hazardous substances like mercury or lead are safely removed before recycling to prevent contamination. - Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
This act protects workers in the recycling industry by ensuring all businesses maintain safe working environments, use proper protective equipment, and train staff in safe handling procedures.
Together, these regulations form the foundation of a responsible and sustainable scrap industry.
Scrap Local operates in full compliance with all UK legislation, working exclusively with licensed partners who follow Environment Agency and local authority standards.
Do I need a licence to collect scrap metal?
Anyone collecting, transporting, or trading scrap metal must hold a Scrap Metal Dealer’s Licence issued by their local authority.
There are two types:
- Site licence: for scrapyards or premises that store and process metal.
- Collector’s licence: for mobile collectors who collect metal without a fixed site.
Operating without a licence is a criminal offence and can result in fines of up to £5,000.
What is a Waste Carriers Licence?
A Waste Carriers Licence is required by anyone transporting waste (including scrap metal or end-of-life vehicles) as part of their business.
Issued by the Environment Agency, it ensures waste is handled, transported, and disposed of safely and legally.
Scrap Local only works with carriers who hold valid Waste Carriers Licences to guarantee that every collection meets environmental and safety standards.
Why is cash payment for scrap metal illegal?
Paying cash for scrap metal has been illegal in the UK since 2013, when the Scrap Metal Dealers Act came into force.
This rule was introduced to:
- Eliminate the untraceable sale of stolen metal.
- Create a secure digital payment trail through bank transfers (BACS).
- Strengthen compliance and accountability across the recycling sector.
Scrap Local strictly follows this law, using only verified bank payments to protect both customers and collectors.
Who enforces scrap metal laws in the UK?
Scrap metal regulations are enforced jointly by local councils, the Environment Agency, and police authorities.
Local councils are responsible for issuing and renewing scrap metal dealer licences.
The Environment Agency monitors compliance with waste management laws, such as the handling, storage, and transport of scrap metal.
The police have powers under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 to investigate unlicensed trading, seize vehicles or equipment, and issue penalties.
Scrap Local ensures every collector and yard within our network is fully licensed, regularly verified, and operating within UK law to protect both customers and the wider industry.
Safe Handling & Collection Practices
Working with scrap metal involves physical and environmental risks, so proper handling and collection practices are crucial.
In this section, we explain how to stay safe, what procedures Scrap Local follows, and which materials require special care.
How can I ensure the safe handling of scrap metal?
Handling scrap metal requires care to avoid injury and contamination.
Follow these safety steps:
- Wear protective gear: gloves, boots, and eye protection.
- Watch for sharp edges: scrap metal can easily cause cuts.
- Separate materials safely: keep batteries, gas canisters, and electricals apart.
- Use proper lifting equipment to prevent back strain and other injuries.
- Store metal securely to avoid trip hazards or chemical leaks.
Scrap Local’s network follows strict safety standards, and all staff are trained in safe lifting, depollution, and environmental management.
What safety rules apply when collecting scrap cars?
When collecting a scrap car, authorised drivers must:
- Check the vehicle’s condition before loading.
- Use approved lifting and securing equipment.
- Follow depollution protocols to remove hazardous fluids before crushing.
- Keep the public and site staff safe during loading.
All these steps are carried out by licensed professionals through Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) that meet Environment Agency standards.
Can I scrap electrical items with metal in them?
Yes, but only through licensed facilities that comply with the WEEE Regulations (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment).
These laws ensure harmful substances like mercury, lead, or refrigerants are removed safely before recycling.
Many ATFs that Scrap Local partners with can recycle WEEE items alongside vehicles and metal, but always check with your local facility before bringing electrical goods.
What protective equipment is needed when handling scrap metal?
Handling scrap metal safely requires personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent injury and contamination.
Common PPE includes:
- Thick protective gloves: To avoid cuts from sharp or rusty metal.
- Steel-toe boots: For foot protection against heavy objects.
- High-visibility clothing: To ensure safety during collections and yard operations.
- Eye protection and hard hats: Where sparks, debris, or lifting machinery are involved.
All Scrap Local drivers and yard teams follow strict safety procedures and wear suitable PPE for every job.
Our aim is to protect staff, customers, and the public while keeping every collection efficient and compliant.
Legal Compliance & Best Practice
The scrap metal industry operates under several laws designed to ensure safe, transparent, and environmentally responsible recycling.
These FAQs outline what you need to know about selling metal legally and how Scrap Local remains fully compliant.
What do I need to sell scrap metal legally in the UK?
To sell scrap metal legally, you must:
- Provide a valid photo ID (driving licence or passport).
- Sell only to licensed scrap dealers or collectors.
- Accept bank payments only as cash is illegal.
- Keep transaction records for tax and compliance purposes.
Following these steps ensures every sale meets UK law and helps prevent fraud and environmental damage.
What identification do I need to sell scrap metal in the UK?
To sell scrap metal legally in the UK, you must provide a valid form of photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence.
This requirement was introduced under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 to prevent theft, fraud, and untraceable transactions.
Licensed scrap yards cannot legally purchase metal from anyone who fails to provide ID, and all ID details are securely recorded in compliance with GDPR and Environment Agency regulations.
Providing proof of identity ensures that every sale remains transparent, traceable, and in line with UK law.
Can I sell scrap metal if I’m not a registered business?
Private individuals can legally sell scrap metal, but you must always go through a licensed scrap dealer and provide a valid photo ID.
If you’re a business or regularly collect scrap metal for resale, you may also need a Waste Carriers Licence from the Environment Agency.
This licence ensures you’re transporting and disposing of materials safely and responsibly.
Scrap Local’s network includes both private and trade collectors who operate fully within the law, so every transaction remains compliant and secure.
What records must scrap yards keep by law?
Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, all licensed scrap yards must keep detailed transaction records for at least three years.
These records include:
- The seller’s ID information (verified photo ID).
- The date and description of the material sold.
- The type and weight of the metal.
- The payment method must be traceable (bank transfer only).
These requirements ensure every sale can be traced back to its source, helping to reduce metal theft and maintain industry transparency.
What happens if I sell scrap metal illegally?
Selling scrap metal to, or operating as, an unlicensed dealer is a criminal offence under UK law.
Penalties can include:
- Fines of up to £5,000.
- Confiscation of metal or vehicles used in illegal trading.
- Potential prosecution or loss of licence for repeat offenders.
Scrap Local works exclusively with licensed and Environment Agency–approved dealers, so every transaction remains fully compliant and protected under UK law.
How does Scrap Local ensure compliance with UK scrap metal laws?
At Scrap Local, compliance and safety are at the core of how we operate.
We only partner with licensed scrap yards and collectors registered with the Environment Agency or relevant local authorities.
Our processes ensure that:
- Every transaction is recorded and paid via secure bank transfer (no cash).
- All sellers provide valid photo ID before sale.
- Vehicles and metals are collected and processed at Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) that meet environmental and safety standards.
By following these strict measures, Scrap Local guarantees that all activity remains legal, transparent, and environmentally responsible.
Do I need insurance to sell or handle scrap metal?
If you’re selling small amounts of scrap metal as a private individual, you don’t need insurance.
However, if you’re a business, trader, or collector, you must have suitable insurance cover, including:
- Public liability insurance protects against accidents or property damage.
- Environmental liability insurance is for businesses that handle or transport waste materials.
Having the right insurance helps protect both the public and the environment and is a requirement for maintaining professional compliance under UK waste and recycling laws.
What is an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF), and why do they matter?
An Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) is a government-approved site licensed by the Environment Agency to handle end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) safely and legally.
ATFs follow strict environmental regulations to:
- Depollute vehicles by removing oils, fuels, batteries, and other hazardous materials.
- Dismantle and recycle parts for reuse in line with UK recycling targets.
- Issue Certificates of Destruction (CoDs), proving a vehicle has been scrapped responsibly.
Only licensed ATFs can legally process scrap cars.
Scrap Local works exclusively with approved ATFs across the UK to ensure every vehicle is handled safely, sustainably, and in full compliance with UK waste and recycling laws.
How does Scrap Local ensure every collection is safe and compliant?
Scrap Local combines safety, transparency, and legal compliance in every collection we arrange.
Our network follows a strict process to guarantee customer and environmental protection:
- Licensed collectors only: Every partner holds a valid licence under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act.
- Secure, cashless payments: All transactions are processed by BACS transfer for traceability.
- Verified identification: Customers provide their valid photo ID upon collection.
- Safety protocols: Our drivers use approved equipment and follow depollution and handling procedures.
Scrap Local ensures every step meets UK legal, safety, and environmental standards, giving customers peace of mind that their scrap car is being handled properly.
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If we’ve missed your questions or you would like more information on scrap safety or regulations, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our team can help explain licensing and safety procedures so you can recycle confidently and responsibly.
Reach out via our social media channels or visit our contact us page. We’re here to help.
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