Dealing with scrap metal in the UK is dependent on strict rules and regulations. These laws exist to prevent theft, protect the environment, and ensure safety. At Morecambe Metals, we take compliance seriously, helping both individuals and businesses handle scrap responsibly while offering a trusted, local service.
Whether you’re looking to sell metal from your home, a construction site, or a business, understanding the legal landscape ensures your transactions are safe, legal, and efficient.
Key Scrap Metal Laws: What Businesses May Have Missed in 2025
In 2025, several new rules were introduced that affect how UK businesses must handle scrap metal. These build on long-standing legislation, making it essential to understand the new requirements and how they may impact your business.
Simpler Recycling (England)
Since 31st March 2025, all businesses in England must separate core recyclable waste, including metals, from general waste for collection. This means workplaces now have a legal duty to recycle metals rather than sending them to landfills. At Morecambe Metals, we make compliance straightforward by offering tailored collection and recycling services for local businesses.
Updated WEEE Regulations
From 1st January 2025, new import and export guides for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) were introduced. Any business handling or transporting WEEE, such as appliances, cables, or IT equipment, must follow stricter notification requirements. Morecambe Metals already processes a wide range of WEEE, ensuring safe disposal and recovery of valuable metals.
Environmental Agency Permit System Reforms
In 2025, the Environment Agency began reforming its environmental permitting system. These changes may introduce added charges and tighter rules for waste exemptions, which could impact scrap yards across the country. Morecambe Metals stays ahead of these changes by keeping our site fully permitted and compliant, so our customers can trust their scrap is always managed responsibly.
Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013
One of the most significant pieces of legislation in the industry is the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. Introduced to reduce metal theft, over 60,000 offences were reported before its introduction. It sets out clear rules for trading scrap metal.
- Licensing: All scrap metal businesses are required to be licensed. Trading without a license can result in fines of up to £5,000.
- Traceable payments: Cash payments are not allowed. Using electronic transfers ensures all transactions are documented.
- Full record-keeping: Dealers must record the seller’s name, address, and proof of ID, as well as details of the metal sold.
At Morecambe Metals, we go beyond the minimum requirements. Every transaction is tracked digitally, weighbridge records are maintained for audit purposes, and our vehicles are GPS-tracked, providing you with complete transparency and peace of mind.
You can find more information on our legislation and payment page.
Environmental Protection Act 1990
Scrap metal isn’t just about metal recycling, it’s about protecting the environment. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 ensures businesses and households handle waste safely and responsibly.
The legislation covers waste from:
- Industrial and commercial activities
- Household sources
- Construction and demolition
Local authorities are responsible for overseeing controlled waste, and businesses or individuals can be penalised for failing to comply. Choosing a licensed dealer like Morecambe Metals ensures your scrap metal waste is processed legally and sustainably, helping reduce environmental impact.
Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005
Some scrap materials, such as lead-acid batteries, chemicals, and industrial byproducts, are classified as hazardous. The Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 ensure these substances are tracked and disposed of safely.
Businesses producing more than 500kg of hazardous waste are required to register with the Environment Agency, and all movements of hazardous waste must be properly documented.
At Morecambe Metals, we handle dangerous materials with care. Our team follows strict protocols to dispose of or recycle dangerous items safely, keeping your home, business and the wider community protected.
Why Choosing a Licensed Dealer Like Morecambe Metals Matters
Choosing a licensed scrap dealer isn’t just about following the law, it’s about protecting your business, getting fair value and knowing your waste is being handled properly. At Morecambe Metals, we combine compliance with service, making it easy for businesses and households to recycle safely and responsibly.
A trusted, registered dealer ensures:
- Safe, legal transactions with full proof of sale
- Correct handling of hazardous and non-hazardous metals
- Transparent competitive pricing based on live market rates
- Support with the latest 2025 business recycling requirements
Our local team doesn’t just stop at the basics. We offer scrap metal collection to vehicle recycling services to factory clearance, all backed by digital record keeping and GPS tracked vehicles. That means every transaction is traceable and every customer has complete peace of mind.
If you’re looking for a trusted scrap metal dealer in the UK, Morecambe Metals is here to help. Our fully licensed team ensures all transactions are legal, safe, and transparent. With the latest laws now in place, it’s more important than ever to choose a partner who understands the changing rules.
Contact us today to learn how we can collect, process, and recycle your scrap metal, helping you meet legal requirements while supporting a greener future.