Unlicenced Scrap Metal and “Tip Run” Collectors

Telford and Wrekin Council has issued vehicle mounted signs like the one in the image below to help residents easily identify licenced scrap metal collectors – if you don’t see one of these signs on a scrap metal collectors vehicle, then you should question whether they are operating legally.

With cut price ‘tip run’ collectors, often engaged via social media posts the results can be your items fly tipped and strewn across public roads and footpaths, or private land, leaving local councils and landowners with large clean-up bills. In such cases, where the council can identify where the waste has come from, unless the owner can prove they carried out checks as to the legality of the company they have used, they can be issued a fixed penalty notice by the council (typically £400) or prosecuted via the courts.

The Environment Agency holds a register of all persons licenced to collect scrap metal within the Borough. This can be accessed on their website by following this link and typing ‘telford and wrekin’ in the ‘Local Authority’ search field  > http://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-scrap-metal-dealers

In addition, the Environment Agency also provides a register of all persons licenced to remove and dispose of waste from your home or business which can be found by following this link > http://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers-regime?regime=upper-tier

If you have information regarding anyone collecting scrap metal or offering waste disposal services without a licence, please contact the Public Protection Team at Telford & Wrekin Council by emailing licencing@telford.gov.uk or telephoning 01952381818