To combat metal theft, the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 1964 was amended to outlaw the purchase of scrap metal with cash. This came into effect in December 2012. We trade strictly under this Act. Therefore, you must bring ID that confirms who you are and where you live. Despite the red tape, we have a quick and simple way to process your scrap metal sale and pay you without delay.
- Bring Your ID
Firstly, we must have the ability to identify you. The key element is some form of photo ID. We recommended you bring your Photo Drivers Licence. However, if you do not have one, then you will need your passport and two recent utility bills. We also accept military ID and UK Photo ID.
ASH Metal Recycling Ltd is registered under the Data Protection Act and none of your personal details will be passed to any third party for marketing purposes.
- Instant Payment
Once we have recorded and verified your identity, we will then digitally weigh your scrap metal and give you a price.
We then make an instant cashless payment onto your debit card. Alternatively, we can issue you with a Visa card to withdraw cash directly from an ATM machine or make a three day BACS payment.
Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013
The new all encompassing Scrap Metal Dealers Act will come into effect from 1st October 2013. This will replace the entire 1964 act and close off loopholes in the cashless payment process. It will also give powers to local authorities and the police to revoke licences where they merely suspect illegal trading in scrap metal. Magistrates will have the power to issue unlimited fines to any trader found to be dealing in cash.
These measures have been enforced to stem the estimated 1000 metal thefts in the UK each week. These thefts include war memorials, lead from church roofs and copper piping from schools. Even cables under the road and on railway lines have been stolen resulting in loss of telephone service and train delays and cancellations.
The cost to the UK economy is estimated to be £220 million per year. Since the launch of the new cashless law in December 2012, indications are that the measure has reduced this crime by 50%.