The First Port of Call If You’re Selling Scrap in Hertfordshire | Cheshunt Metals Ltd

Back in 1964, the first piece of legislation was published regulating scrap merchants and the wider scrap metal industry. Titled the Scrap Metal Dealers Act, it served its purpose for many years until it was heavily revised in 2013. On this page, we’ve looked at some of the most important revisions so that clients visiting our scrap merchants in Hertfordshire know exactly why we have certain rules in place.

But for some of you, this blog won’t be 100% relevant – either you’re already aware of the laws governing the purchase and sale of scrap metal, or you’ve stumbled across this while looking for trusted scrap merchants covering the Hertfordshire area. If you fall into either category, cut right to the chase by calling our friendly scrap merchants on 01992 642 066 or 01992 625 622.

Navigating UK Scrap Metal Laws

To avoid this blog devolving into an attempt to outline and explain the many different elements of the original 1964 draft, we’ll stick to the main two 2013 changes that effect you: the ban on cash payments, and need for particular forms of identification.

Cash Payments – While prior to 2013, cash payments were a perfectly valid means of buying scrap metal both in Hertfordshire and the wider UK, there was an issue which became increasingly widespread: theft. Rising prices for scrap metal saw criminals loot scrap metal of all types, with vehicle components and copper wiring in unused properties being two of the most common targets, and bring it to unsuspecting scrap merchants who’d pay out for it. Cash, being extremely difficult to untraceable, meant investigations into those responsible was highly difficult and rarely successful.

Nowadays, Hertfordshire residents must be willing to accept a non-transferable cheque or electronic transfer of funds. This provides a trail, so that if the scrap metal was found to be stolen then the thief could be easily traced. This rule, while initially unpopular amongst certain reputable parties who found cash a convenient source of payment for legitimately sourced scrap metal, has been highly effective at reducing theft and is widely heralded as a fantastic measure.

Identification – For the same reason expounded above, our scrap merchants are required by law to ask Hertfordshire clients for in-date and valid photo identification. This again ensures people are who they say they are, and provides another layer of protection against theft and similar scrap metal related criminal activity. So before visiting us with a consignment of scrap metal, or indeed ordering its collection, please make sure you have a passport or driver’s licence to hand.