Draft scrap metal dealers policy

Have your say on how Swale Borough Council regulates the sale, collection, storage and disposal of scrap metal.

The council is running a consultation on a draft scrap metal dealers policy which sets out their expectations for scrap dealers and outlines the licence requirements.

The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 made local authorities the principle regulator of scrap metal dealers to try and combat rampant metal theft.

Metal theft has led to the disruption of communication and train networks, as well as caused significant costs to local authorities, who need to replace stolen infrastructure such as road signs.

Following this, the council adopted a scrap metal dealers policy that is now being reviewed and updated.

The council’s licensing committee is responsible for agreeing the policy for scrap metal and will use this new draft policy to decide if applicants will be granted a licence.

Derek Carnell, chair of the council’s licensing committee, said:

“Anyone who wishes to deal in scrap metal needs to have a licence and doing so without one is a criminal offence.

“Our draft policy sets out clear guidelines for applicants and licence holders to follow and gives us a way to revoke their licence if they fail to.

“Regulation like this is key to making sure waste is gathered and disposed of responsibly, and gives us the tools to tackle both metal theft and fly-tipping.

“We want to hear the public's views on what should be required to obtain and maintain a licence and what regulatory action we should take to enforce these requirements.

“Please take some time to read through the draft policy and have your say.”

The consultation runs until Friday, 26 April and you can read the draft policy on the council’s website.

Responses to the consultation can be made by email to licensing@swale.gov.uk or post to Licensing Team, Swale Borough Council, Swale House, East Street, Sittingbourne ME10 3HT.