Hull City Council is issuing a warning to people in the city who collect scrap metal illegally.
It comes after the council secured a prosecution against an unlicensed collector who was not authorised to transport controlled wastes.
David Smith, of York Road in Hull, was convicted by Hull Magistrates’ Court and ordered to pay £910 in fines and costs for operating and collecting scrap metal in Hull without a licence on July 26 last year. The prosecution was delayed due to impact on the courts of the coronavirus pandemic.
Councillor Rosie Nicola, Portfolio Holder for Waste Management, said: “This successful prosecution demonstrates that we do not take the illegal collection of scrap metal lightly and we will prosecute those who carry out these offences.
“We would encourage residents to always check their scrap metal collector’s licence or refuse to use them.
“Anyone who is contacted by people offering waste clearance services of any kind should always ask to see proof of their authority. If they cannot provide this, don’t take a chance. Never use unauthorised collectors.”
Under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, it is illegal to collect scrap metal in an area without a Scrap Metal Collector Licence from the area’s licensing authority. It gives the council, alongside Humberside Police, the power to prosecute.
Under this legislation, people:
- Must display licences in a public place, or in the case of a collector’s licence, in any vehicle
- Must not receive scrap metal from people without verifying person’s details
- Are not permitted to make cash payments for scrap metal
- Must retain detailed records relating to any transfers they receive, or disposals they make, of scrap metal
It also gives the council and Humberside Police the right to enter and inspect any licensed site held by a scrap metal dealer, at any reasonable time.
Anyone who is contacted by people offering waste clearance services should ask to see proof of their authority. In the case of scrap metal, they should ask also their scrap metal collector’s licence or refuse to use them.
Report anyone operating without a license to www.hull.gov.uk/environment/environmental-crime/illegal-waste-carriers.
For more information about Scrap Metal Collector Licences, including information about how to apply, visit www.hull.gov.uk/business/licenses-and-permits/scrap-metal-dealers-licence.
