There are plenty of licensed scrap metal dealers in our area. However, some dealers choose to operate illegally in Westmorland and Furness as they do not have a licence. They do not comply with legal requirements, for example, keeping records or confirming a customer's identity. Unlicensed traders take trade from reputable licensed dealers, who pay to have a licence in our area and must operate professionally and responsibly.
To ensure your scrap metal is collected and disposed of lawfully, you must arrange for a licensed collector to collect it or take it to a registered site yourself. You can find licensed dealers and sites in the register of scrap metal dealers (GOV.UK).
Disposing of or selling your scrap
You're responsible for what happens to your scrap metal, as it is considered a controlled waste. We've provided some tips to ensure that what you do with your scrap metal is legal. The law still applies whether the dealer pays for your scrap or not.
Store your scrap safely
Avoid leaving your scrap metal on pavements, or areas clearly open to the public view. This attracts unlicensed dealers in to your community. They may enter your property, even if you are not at home. It can also encourage theft and may put more vulnerable people at risk. If you choose to leave your unwanted scrap out, and do not take appropriate steps to ensure your waste has been collected legally, you could be held accountable.
Ask to see a licence
There are two types of licence, one for:
- sites, such as a scrapyard
- collectors, such as people or companies who work on a mobile basis, collecting scrap
The dealer must display their licence at prominent place at their premises or in their vehicle’s front windscreen if they are a collector. If you cannot see the licence, you should ask them to show it to you before you give or sell them your scrap metal. If a collector cannot provide you with a licence for Westmorland and Furness Council, it is very likely they are unregistered and you should refuse to give them your scrap metal. Do not accept excuses.
Have your ID to hand
Dealers must ask you for photo identification, such as a passport or driving licence. They must also record your details along with the transaction, so they can prove who they collected the scrap from, should the council or police ask them. This is to provide traceability with your waste.
It’s an offence to provide a false name or address.
Do not use cash
It’s illegal for you or the dealer to make or accept cash payments. Payments must be made electronically by cheque or bank transfer. This ensures that all payments are traceable and transparent.
You should ask for a receipt of the transaction and keep this for your records.
Report concerns
If you would like to report an unlicensed dealer, have any questions or need to raise a concern please contact us. Where appropriate, we will share information with Cumbria Police.
How to contact us
Environmental Protection Team
Email: pollution@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 373 3300
Address: Westmorland and Furness Council, Voreda House, Portland Place, Penrith, CA11 7BF