Scrap Metal Dealers Registrations

Licence summary

To be a scrap metal dealer, you need to register with Westminster City Council under the provisions of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964.

Eligibility Criteria

A scrap metal dealer shall be classed as carrying on a business in the City of Westminster area if any of the following apply:

• the dealer occupies a place as a scrap metal store in the area; or
• the dealer does not occupy a place as a scrap metal store but has a usual place of residence in the area; or

• the dealer does not occupy a place as a scrap metal store but occupies a place for business purposes.

Regulation Summary

A summary of the regulation relating to this registration scheme is available here.

Application Evaluation Process

Applicants must provide the following:

• their full name;
• the address of the dealer, or in the case of a company, their registered or principal office;
• the address of each place occupied as a scrap metal store, if any;
• if the business is carried on without a scrap metal store;
• if the business is carried on without a scrap metal store but the applicant occupies a place for the purposes of business, and the address of such a place.

The registered dealer must notify the Licensing Authority of any changes to these details or if they cease to be a scrap metal dealer.

There is currently no fee for this application.

Will Tacit Consent Apply?

No - If an application is opposed. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the Licensing Authority within a reasonable period, please contact us.  If you have applied in writing or wish to contact the Licensing Authority via another method please telephone the Licensing hotline on 020 7641 8549 or email licensing.vsw1@westminster.gov.uk.

Apply Online

If you wish to register as a scrap metal dealer within Westminster please click on the link below.

• Application to register as a scrap metal dealer.

NOTE: Please note that when you click on one of the above links you will be redirected to the governments Business Link website.  If you don't have a Government Gateway account you will need to create one before you can proceed to the relevant form.  If you already have a Government Gateway account you will be invited to log in prior to completing the application.  This account is necessary as it will ensure that your details are pulled through to the relevant form and will enable you to track your applications once they've been submitted.

If you have any questions relating to the online application process or encounter problems during the online application process please contact the Licensing Service on 020 7641 8549 or email generallicensing@westminster.gov.uk.

Apply Via Post

If you wish to apply via post to be registered as a scrap metal dealer please contact the Licensing Service to acquire the appropriate forms on 020 7641 8549 or email generallicensing@westminster.gov.uk.   You can also write to the Licensing Service with your request at the following address:

Licensing Service, Westminster City Hall, 4th Floor West, 64 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QP.

If you have any questions relating to the application process or how to complete the forms please contact the Licensing Service on Register

A public register is available to view at the Council's Offices during normal office hours.  To make an appointment to view the register please contact the Licensing Service on 020 7641 8548 or alternatively email generallicensing@westminster.gov.uk.

Failed Application or Licence Holder Redress

Please contact the Licensing Authority in the first instance. 

Consumer Complaint

We would always 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, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

The council operates a complaints procedure.  To view the complaints procedure or to make a complaint relating to the service you have received please click here.

Other Redress

If there is a concern about noise, pollution, etc please contact Westminster City Council's Environmental Action Line on 020 7641 2000 (24 hrs) or email environmentalactionline@westminster.gov.uk.  Also should any person has a complaint relating to a registered premises or suspect a premises is operating without the required registration please contact the Council's Licensing Inspectors on 020 7641 3385 or email premiseslicensinginspectorate@westminster.gov.uk.

Any complaints relating to the manner in which the application has been dealt with by the Council should be made in the usual way by clicking here.

Trade Associations

British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA)

International Aluminium Institute

International Lead Association

Metal Bulletin