How to dispose of scrap metal the legal way

Selling your scrap metal can earn you a decent return, but it’s important to know the rules regarding what is and what isn’t legal, as falling on the wrong side of the law could lead to hefty fines and penalties.

Here’s our run down of some important rules you should follow.

First of all, while you can make money from selling on your scrap metal, it is important that you source it from your own home or your car. If you want to go out and collect scrap metal from other people, then you require a license such as a mobile collector’s license or a site collector’s license. This is the case even for your friends, family and neighbours. You should also never try and get your scrap metal from public land, abandoned sites, buildings or bins and skips as this is deemed as theft.

If you are approached by someone offering to buy your scrap metal from you then ask to see their license. If they can’t prove that they have one, then you should refuse. Without going to a reputable and fully licensed trader, you have no way of knowing whether you are getting a good deal and whether your scrap will be disposed of in a legal way. Income from illegal scrap metal activities has regularly been linked to organised crime and scrap metal theft costs the UK economy over £220m each year.

In order to follow the latest government rulings, all scrap metal deals now have to be above-board and traceable. In practice this means that no-cash can be paid for scrap metal trades. Instead, bank transfers and cheques are now the chosen method of exchange.

Here at LSPS we are one of Leicestershire’s largest independent ferrous and non-ferrous metal recyclers. We are fully licensed, offer extremely competitive prices in line with industry rates and can collect larger amounts of scrap metal directly from you.

To find out more contact LSPS today on 0800 083 7807 or simply call in with your scrap metal. We are open Monday – Friday between 07:30 and 16:30 and Saturdays from 7:30 until midday.