To be a scrap metal dealer in Waltham Forest, you need to register with Waltham Forest Council. Registration is free.

Eligibility criteria

A person is deemed to be carrying on a scrap metal business if:

  • A place in the area is occupied by him as a scrap metal store, or
  • No place is occupied by him as a scrap metal store in London Borough Waltham Forest or elsewhere, but he has his usual place of residence in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, or
  • No place is occupied by him as a scrap metal store in the London Borough of Waltham Forest area or elsewhere, but a place in the London Borough of Waltham Forest is occupied by him for the purpose of that business

Regulation summary

» See summary of the regulation relating to this licence on the Office of Public Sector information website.

The application process

Applicants must provide the following:

  • Their full name
  • The address of the dealer, or in the case of a company, their registered or principal office
  • The address of each place occupied as a scrap metal store, if any
  • If the business is carried on without a scrap metal store
  • If the business is carried on without a scrap metal store but the applicant occupies a place for the purposes of business, and the address of such a place

Your application for a licence will need to consider whether planning permission is required for the proposed licensed activity. To ascertain whether permission will be needed you should contact the Council's Planning Service on 020 8496 3000 and ask to speak to the Duty Planning Officer. Your application for a licence may not be processed until any planning issues have been resolved.

Will tacit consent apply?

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from Waltham Forest Council within 28 days of submitting your application.

Changes in circumstances

The registered dealer must notify Waltham Forest Council of any changes or if they cease to be a scrap metal dealer.

Apply online

Apply for registration as a scrap metal dealer * available shortly

Tell us about a change to your existing registration as a scrap metal dealer * available shortly

Alternatively you can apply by completing:

Consumer complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Please contact Waltham Forest Direct and ask for the licensing team in the first instance for matters concerning:

  • Licence holder dress
  • Failed application redress
  • Other redress - include other complaints relating to another aspect of the operation such as noise, pollution or public health

Contact us

Licensing Service
Environmental Health & Trading Standards
London Borough of Waltham Forest
Sycamore House
Forest Road
Walthamstow  E17 4JF

Email licensing@walthamforest.gov.uk
Tel 020 8496 3000