Scrap metal and motor salvage

Any person wishing to carry on the business of a scrap metal dealer or a motor salvage operator must be registered with us.

Scrap metal dealers

Scrap metal dealers are regulated under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964, which requires any person carrying on business as a scrap metal dealer to be registered with their local authority. For the purposes of this Act, a scrap metal dealer is defined as any business consisting wholly or partly of buying and selling scrap metal - any old metal, or broken/worn-out articles made of metal.

We can register persons who operate scrap metal collection/storage premises within Lambeth, and persons who live within Lambeth but do not operate any scrap metal premises.

• Application for registration as a scrap metal dealer

There is currently no fee to register as a scrap metal dealer, but registered details must be kept up to date. Dealers will also be required to re-register every 3 years.

Registered scrap metal dealers are legally obliged to keep records of their business transactions, which can be inspected by the police. Details of the information that must be recorded are included with the application form.

A list of the scrap metal dealers currently registered in Lambeth can be inspected at our offices.

Motor salvage operators

Motor salvage operators are regulated under the Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001, which requires any person carrying on business as a motor salvage operator to be registered with their local authority. This includes businesses that:

• recover salvageable parts from motor vehicles for re-use or sale (i.e. vehicle breakers);
• purchase and repair written-off vehicles, for subsequent re-sale; or
• buy and sell vehicles for either of the above activities.

The registration fee is currently £70.00, and registrations are valid for a period of 3 years. During this time, the operator must inform us of any changes to their registered details, or if they cease trading.

• Application for registration as a motor salvage operator

Registered motor salvage operators are legally obliged to keep records of their business transactions, which can be inspected by the police. Details of the information that must be recorded are included with the application form.

A list of the motor salvage operators registered to operate in Lambeth can be inspected at our offices.