Scrap metal dealers
You are required to hold a licence from Merton Council if your business is to collect, buy or sell scrap metal in the London Borough of Merton. Motor salvage operators also require a licence.
There are two types of licence:
- A site licence allows the licence holder to buy and sell scrap from a fixed location in the London Borough of Merton.
- A collector’s licence authorises the licence holder to operate as a mobile collector who travels within The London Borough of Merton to collect scrap metal from commercial/domestic premises. Mobile collectors are required to be licensed with every local authority in whose area they operate.
Fees
| Site licence/application | Fee from 1 April 2025 – 31 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| New application | £443 fee at time of application + |
| £319 additional fee on successful grant | |
| Renewal of licence | £292 fee at time of application + |
| £268 additional fee on successful grant | |
| Variation of licence | £257 |
| Minor variation / application for replacement licence | £49 |
| Collectors’ licence/application | Fee from 1 April 2025 – 31 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| New application | £205 fee at time of application + |
| £161 additional fee on successful grant | |
| Renewal of licence | £157 fee at time of application + |
| £165 additional fee on successful grant | |
| Variation of licence - General | £131 |
| Variation of licence - Conversion to a site licence | £384 fee at time of application + |
| £235 additional fee on successful grant | |
| Minor variation / application for replacement licence | £49 |
How to apply
Application form and guidance notes (it is the same form for everything)
All applicants are required to disclose any relevant convictions and enforcement action on their application form. Applicants must also provide a ‘Basic Disclosure’ conviction disclosure certificate with their application. This is done by contacting a central body called the ‘Disclosure and Barring Service’:
- Website: Disclosure and Barring service (GOV.UK website)
- E-mail: customerservices@dbs.gsi.gov.uk
- Telephone: 0300 020 0190
The application form must be submitted with the correct application fee. The licences last for 3 years.
Waste carrier registration
Individuals applying for a collector's licence are expected to be a registered waste carrier. You can register as a waste carrier with the Environment Agency.
Advice
Please note that the licensing team cannot give more detailed advice about the completion of forms and therefore you may wish to obtain independent legal advice before submitting your application.
Related websites
GOV.UK - Scrap metal dealer licence
Contact us
Licensing
London Borough of Merton
1st Floor Annexe
Merton Civic Centre
London Road
Morden
SM4 5DX
Telephone: 020 8545 3969
Email: licensing@merton.gov.uk