Digital Waste Tracking for Scrap Metal Dealers Made Easy
Digital waste tracking for scrap metal dealers doesn't have to mean more paperwork. Scrap metal dealers already keep strict records under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, and digital waste tracking adds Defra reporting for every load received. We build a bespoke app around how your business works, so every job, weight and signature is captured once, digital waste transfer notes are sent automatically and your Defra records are submitted on time.
How Digital Waste Tracking for Scrap Metal Dealers Works
Digital waste tracking for scrap metal dealers means reporting the waste your site receives to Defra, in addition to the records you already keep under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. Each load gets logged with its weight, EWC code and seller details, then submitted through Defra's Receipt of Waste API within the reporting deadline.
A bespoke app captures all of this at the point of weighing, so your yard staff log a load once and it flows through to your Scrap Metal Dealers Act register, your digital waste transfer note and your Defra record together.
Scrap Metal Dealers Act Records and Defra in One Place
Scrap metal dealers already record seller ID, vehicle details and a description of the metal under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. Digital waste tracking adds an EWC code and reporting to the Environment Agency's digital waste tracking service for controlled waste received at the site.
Keeping both record sets in one system means staff aren't duplicating entries across a scrap book and a separate Defra spreadsheet or portal.
Seller ID, Photos and Cashless Payment Records
The driver or counter app captures seller ID verification, photos of the load and vehicle, and cashless payment references required under the Act, alongside the weight and grade. This evidence sits against the same job record used for your digital waste transfer note and Defra receipt.
Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Grades by EWC Code
Ferrous and non-ferrous metal grades are coded differently under the List of Wastes. The app lets staff pick the right EWC code for the grade coming over the weighbridge, whether that's iron and steel, copper, or ferrous metal recovered from an end-of-life vehicle.
When Scrap Metal Dealers Must Comply
If you hold a site licence and receive waste under a permit or exemption, you fall into Phase 1, mandatory from 1 October 2026 in England and Wales and 1 January 2027 in Scotland and Northern Ireland. If you operate as a collector's licence holder without a fixed receiving site, you're more likely to fall under Phase 2, planned for October 2027. Many scrap metal businesses will need to comply with both, depending on how the site and collection sides of the business are set up.
EWC Codes and Records for Scrap Metal Dealers
Common EWC codes for scrap metal dealers cover ferrous and non-ferrous metal, as well as metal recovered from vehicles. These must always be confirmed against the current List of Wastes before use, as the right code depends on the exact waste stream and its source.
| EWC Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 17 04 05 | Iron and steel |
| 19 12 02 | Ferrous metal |
| 17 04 01 | Copper |
| 16 01 17 | Ferrous metal from end-of-life vehicles |
A Bespoke App for Scrap Metal Dealers
No two scrap yards run the same way. Some weigh every load over a weighbridge, others work from handheld scales on a collection round. We build the app around your actual process, whether that's a single yard or multiple sites with different licences.
From Paper to Digital Without the Headache
Moving from a paper scrap book and paper waste transfer notes to a digital system doesn't need to disrupt trading. We set the system up for you and train both office and yard staff, so the switch happens without slowing down a busy counter.
Frequently Asked Questions
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