We run a licensing scheme for scrap metal collectors in Thanet. To prove they are operating legally, authorised businesses will display an official licence plate on the rear of their vehicles.
What do the official plates look like?
The new scrap metal licence plates are orange. They feature:
- A Thanet District Council logo and a secure hologram on the left.
- The collector’s details, including their unique plate number, on the right.
How collectors get a licence
To secure one of these plates, a collector must prove they are safe and lawful. They must:
- Pay the licence fee.
- Pass a DBS (criminal record) check.
- Provide evidence that they hold an Environment Agency permit to carry waste.
Advice for residents: how to avoid a fine
If a collector does not display an official orange licence plate, they are collecting scrap illegally. If you dispose of your waste through an unauthorised collector, you could face a fine.
By using an authorised collector, you can be confident your metal waste will be disposed of lawfully. Before handing over your scrap metal, always check the orange plate on the back of the van:
- Check the registration: Does the vehicle registration number on the orange plate match the vehicle’s actual number plate?
- Check the date: Has the expiry date on the orange plate passed?
Are you a scrap metal collector?
If you are a Thanet-based scrap metal collector and need to register your vehicle, you can find further information about applying for your official plates on our website.
Public Register of Licensed Scrap Metal Collectors
The table on this page shows the details of all currently licensed scrap metal collectors in our area so you can verify them.