Responsible scrap metal recycling: do you need a waste carrier licence?

When you bring your scrap metal to Glanvile Metals, you want to know you’re dealing with a business that does things properly. From welcoming customers into the yard, to processing the metal, to keeping accurate records, responsible recycling is part of how we work.

New digital waste reporting requirements came into effect on 1 October 2026. To help you understand what this means when you visit, we’ve put together a straightforward guide to the changes and when you may need a waste carrier licence for scrap metal.

What has changed?

Permitted waste receiving sites in England, including Glanvile Metals, now need to report details of the waste they receive through the government’s digital waste tracking service.

At Glanvile, we’re submitting this information electronically through our existing system. Accurate records help make waste movements more traceable and support responsible businesses across the recycling industry.

For customers, this means we may ask a few questions about where your metal has come from and check your waste carrier registration details where required.

Waste carrier registration itself isn’t new. The digital reporting changes make it particularly important that we have the correct information for each delivery.

Do I need a waste carrier licence to bring in scrap metal?

That depends on where the metal comes from and whether you’re transporting it as part of your work.

If you’re a private householder bringing your own unwanted metal from home, you will not need waste carrier registration. Our usual identification and acceptance checks still apply.

If you’re bringing metal through your work or business, you may need to register with the Environment Agency. This includes carrying waste collected from customers, as well as some situations where you’re transporting waste your own business has produced.

For example, a householder bringing in their own old radiator is in a different position from a plumber bringing in radiators removed from customers’ properties.

What’s the difference between lower-tier and upper-tier registration?

Lower-tier registration generally covers businesses transporting only waste they produce themselves, excluding construction and demolition waste. This registration is free.

Upper-tier registration generally applies to businesses carrying other people’s waste, or construction and demolition waste, including waste they have produced themselves. There are exceptions, so it’s important to check which category applies to your activities.

You can check the requirements and register on GOV.UK. If you’re unsure which registration you need, the Environment Agency can advise.

What should I have ready when I visit?

Alongside your usual identification, please have your waste carrier registration number available if it applies to you.

For business deliveries, we may also need your company details, vehicle registration and any applicable waste transfer or consignment paperwork. We’ll ask where the waste was produced and what the load contains so we can record it accurately.

Having the relevant information ready helps us complete our checks and keep your visit running smoothly.

Responsible recycling, with a friendly local team

Whether you’re clearing out unwanted metal at home or recycling scrap through your business, we want you to feel confident about bringing it to Glanvile.

These checks are part of our commitment to operating responsibly and supporting customers who want to do the same. We’re here to make the information clear and help you prepare for your visit.

Planning to bring in scrap metal from Torbay or the surrounding area? If you’re unsure what details we’ll need, contact our team before setting off.
Email recycle@glanvilemetals.co.uk and we’ll help point you in the right direction.