Scrap Metal Dealers

Birmingham has had a long tradition with the scrap metal trade and today we welcome registered scrap metal dealers and encouragea fair trading environment for all within the scrap metal industry. Birmingham City Council has developed strong working partnerships with West Midlands Police, Western Power and BT and undertakes regular vehicle stop exercises and scrap yard inspections to identify those who seek to take an unfair advantage from trading illegally.

Report a Scrap Metal Dealer Operating Illegally
We are taking a firm stance against those who choose to trade illegally in Birmingham and if you suspect a scrap metal yard or scrap metal collector is trading illegally you can report this to us by completing our online form (please remember to select the "other Environmental Health" option on the form) or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Together we can 'Scrap It Right' in Birmingham.

What is Registration?
Anyone seeking to operate as a scrap metal dealer within Birmingham is required to register with us. The definition of a scrap metal dealer includes 'scrap metal yards' in Birmingham and 'scrap metal collectors' who reside within Birmingham. If you own a scrap yard in Birmingham or live in Birmingham and collect scrap metal anywhere in the UK you have a duty to register with us. If you are operating elsewhere you should contact that local authority. If you are operating as a scrap metal dealer or collector outside of the Birmingham area you will need to register with the Local Authority where you are based.

All scrap metal collectors and most scrap metal yards will need to Register as a Waste Carrier with the Environment Agency and if you are found operating in Birmingham without a valid Waste Carriers License you are likely to face enforcement action. Any premises used as a scrap metal yard are likely to need an Environmental Permit from the Environment Agency, or register for an exemption.

Who needs to Register
For the purposes of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964 a scrap metal dealer is defined as any person who carries on a business that consists wholly or partly of buying and selling scrap metal, whether it is sold in the form it was bought or otherwise.

Online Applications
Scrap Metal Dealer - Online Registration Form

Fee
Registration is FREE.

Processing Timescale
Our target for dealing with applications is 28 days.

Tacit Consent
Tacit consent means that if we have not dealt with your application within the target period identified then your application will have been deemed to have been granted/approved.

Please note that the processing target period (28 days) only begins on receipt of a fully completed application and acknowledgement of such by Birmingham City Council Contaminated Land Team.

Guidance and Advice
It is the responsibility of potential applicants to fully satisfy the requirements of the legislation.Guidance notes are provided below.

Regulations:- Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964

Public Register
To access information on scrap metal dealers operating in the city contact the Contaminated Land Team - see contact details below.

Complaints/Enquiries
Contact the Contaminated Land Team - contact details included below.

Changes to Registration/Licence
Once you have registered you need to notify us of any change and in some circumstances this may result in a new registration application being required. It is a legal requirement to notify the local authority if circumstances change, failure to do so is an offence under the act.

Contact
Contaminated Land Team,
Regulation and Enforcement,
Birmingham City Council,
PO Box 15908
B2 2UD

Telephone: 0121 303 9956
Fax: 0121 303 9901
e-mail: contaminatedland@birmingham.gov.uk