Scrap Act 2013

[ryansdad]

Just a heads up for everyone as I think that most people aren't aware of this new Act.

Basically it comes into force tomorrow on will be fully implemented by December 2013.

The biggest issue for electricians (and other trades) is that there is the possibility the Act could be interpreted by those who will be enforcing it (the council and the police) that anyone selling scrap metal in any form as part of their business will need a new scrap dealers licence.

The Act states that anyone carrying on a business the as a whole or in part, buys or sells scrap metal will need a licence.

The problem is that it's a little vague in the wording and theoretically a farmer for example, who every now and again sells a bit of metal from off their farm, will need a licence.

It's not currently known how strictly the Act will be enforced but I suspect that with new powers the council and police will get a bit carried away!

There has been talk around these parts of the police intending to seize vehicles if they don't have the correct licence, although the Act states that the fine iwould not exceed £5000 so it looks like they will be making it up as they go.

 

[steptoe]

well, I see it like this,

its not scrap,

same as its not waste, [so I dont need a waste carriers licence],

its simply surplus stock,

its irrelevant who I sell it to, they are simply buying surplus cable from me.

 

[Theorysparky]

well  I went to the scrappy last week and I had to sign up etc  and got a tag

no mention of any licence,,,,,,, to be honest it does not effect us  as we are legit traders

I think it is for the diddies who search skips and gardens

did you know they are excempt from the current rules and can still get paid cash ( this is what I was told) so I think this new rule is regarding them

at last !!!

 

[Sharpend]

Apparently they can't get cash, what they and you can do is get paid by a cheque then have it cashed by the scrappy for a 3% fee, but you do need to sign up to them.

 

[Theorysparky]

I stand corrected

I did need to sign up but I can use my tag at any euro scrappy

I think now the prices are universal

£1.60 for unstrapped

£3.80 for stripped

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

My local scrappy has a visa card you sign up for. It has no name on it and the money is there 10 min after you have presented your card. The card can then be used anywhere a visa card is accepted. When you sign up you have to show your driving licence and they take details of the vehicle.

 

[Theorysparky]

24 hrs for it to hit my bank account

 

[steptoe]

Who you with Theory?

EMS paying more than that round here, was over £4.20 stripped last I went,

And was about 1.80 unstripped.

 

[Technician]

Heard this today on the Beeb radio 4.

Proof of address, recent utility bill, vehicle

registration documents, proof of ID.

 

[ryansdad]

well, I see it like this,

its not scrap,

same as its not waste, [so I dont need a waste carriers licence],

its simply surplus stock,

its irrelevant who I sell it to, they are simply buying surplus cable from me.

That is how it should be, but unfortunately this new Act introduces a bit of uncertainty.

Here's the relevant bits;

A person carries on business as a scrap metal dealer if the person—

(a)carries on a business which consists wholly or partly in buying or selling scrap metal, whether or not the metal is sold in the form in which it was bought, or

(b)carries on business as a motor salvage operator (so far as that does not fall within paragraph (a)).

and;

“Scrap metal” includes—

(a)any old, waste or discarded metal or metallic material, and

(b)any product, article or assembly which is made from or contains metal and is broken, worn out or regarded by its last holder as having reached the end of its useful life.

Like I said this is new legislation and just because it was ok before, doesn't mean the authorities will not be implementing this new power to the letter.

It is designed to kerb metal theft and will be difficult for the tinkers to comply, the question is to what degree it will be policed.

 

[Evans Electric]

well, I see it like this,

its not scrap,

same as its not waste, [so I dont need a waste carriers licence],

its simply surplus stock,

its irrelevant who I sell it to, they are simply buying surplus cable from me.

Oh yes !!!   Nice one Stepps.

 

[Sharpend]

Well I've been to scrappy today and have been told that it is for those that go round collecting scrap, the likes of us it doesn't effect. Happy days!

 

[Andy™]

to be honest it does not effect us  as we are legit traders

no, it only effect the legit traders. the illegal ones will just continue as before

exactly the same as part p...

 

[ryansdad]

no, it only effect the legit traders. the illegal ones will just continue as before

exactly the same as part p...

Exactly this^^

I for one won't be taking the word of the man in the scrap yard that it doesn't affect trades such as sparks and plumbers, it's not up to them who the authorities decide come under the scope of the Act, and he won't be paying the £5000 fine either.

I agree that trades other than scrap collectors should be able to dispose of their "scrap" as they see fit and shouldn't need a licence but I equally wouldn't like to be in the situation of arguing the toss at the roadside with the police who will be giddy with power and keen to flex their new muscles.

 

[Evans Electric]

I can't see the police taking a great interest in Sparkies vans carrying scrap cable to be honest , they're too busy round here to be taking that barrel of worms on .

We were always deemed to be needing a licence anyway ,  I was once told by some jobsworth or other that although I could collect & transport fluorescent fittings & tubes to install ....a licence was required to bring away the dead fluorescent tubes for disposal by the wholesaler . 

I did , of course , dash out and purchase one because I don't think we have enough paperwork and bureaucracy to deal with as it is  :innocent :C

 

[NozSpark]

Are you going on about the "Waste carriers" licences that have been around for ages (in Wales at least) that anyone who creates waste as part of their job and transports it for disposal has to have this licence..

Oh and BTW if you produce waste as part of your job YOU are responsible for it even if you put it in your customers bin (with their permission )

 

[steptoe]

I dont create waste,

I create recyleable materials. 

 

[NozSpark]

I dont create waste,

I create recyleable materials. 

Unfortunately your opinion might not count for much in the eyes of the council

 

[steptoe]

if its worth money then its not waste,

not to me anyway, 

as for the stuff after chasing,

well, surely thats the plasterers problem? 

 

[Sidewinder]

Simple answer to the waste production @ clients.

You don't produce it, it is produced by your actions under their requirements, thus it is their waste, thus their responsibility.

There is also limits at what level you need a carriers licence.

Any waste produced in the undertaking of works for clients is their waste and is disposed of through their waste streams as far as we are concerned, if the client did not want the work undertaking then the waste in any form would not have been produced, thus it is their waste.