The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 was introduced to combat metal theft and bring greater regulation to the scrap metal industry. As a car owner looking to scrap your vehicle, understanding this legislation helps you know your rights and spot operators who are not complying with the law.
What the Act Requires
The Act requires all scrap metal dealers, including scrap yards and mobile collectors, to be licensed by their local authority. Licences must be renewed every three years, and operators must maintain detailed records of all metal they buy and sell. This creates a traceable chain that helps police investigate metal theft.
ID Verification
Under the Act, scrap metal dealers must verify the identity of anyone selling metal to them. This means you will need to provide photo ID (driving licence or passport) and proof of address when selling your scrap car. This is not optional and any operator who does not ask for ID is breaking the law.
Payment Restrictions
The Act banned cash payments for scrap metal transactions over a certain threshold. Payments must be made by cheque or electronic transfer, creating a paper trail. In practice, many car scrappers including ourselves offer instant bank transfer as the primary payment method, though small cash payments are still used in some circumstances.
Record Keeping
Licensed dealers must keep records of the description and weight of metal received, who they received it from (with ID verification), and who they sold it to. These records must be kept for three years and be available for inspection by the council or police at any time.
Why It Matters to You
The Act protects you in several ways. It ensures the operator is legitimate and accountable. The paper trail means your vehicle disposal is properly documented. And the ID requirements mean that stolen vehicles cannot easily be scrapped through licensed channels.
We are fully compliant with the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. Get your free quote from a licensed and regulated operator. Serving Inverness, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and all of Scotland.