Scrap4Free

Terms & Conditions of Service | Scrap4Free.co.uk

Terms and Conditions of Service

Last Updated: 25th October 2025

Welcome to Scrap4Free.co.uk. These Terms and Conditions (the “Terms”) govern your use of the Scrap4Free platform and its services. By accessing or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. The Nature of the Scrap4Free Service

Scrap4Free.co.uk is a lead generation and advertising platform for licensed collectors. We are NOT a scrap metal collection company, a scrap metal dealer, a waste carrier, or a waste broker.

  1. Our Role: We provide a platform for individuals or businesses (the “User” or “Client”) to submit requests to dispose of scrap metal, and we distribute this information as a **potential lead** to independent, licensed scrap metal collectors (the “Collector”) who subscribe to our service.
  2. No Contract of Service: **Scrap4Free is not a party to the contract** for the collection, removal, or purchase of scrap metal. The legally binding contract and subsequent transaction exist **solely and directly** between the User and the Collector.
  3. **Service Limitation:** Scrap4Free’s liability is strictly limited to the provision of the lead generation platform. We hold **no liability** for the collection, pricing, scheduling, conduct, or legal compliance of the Collector.

1A. Householder’s Statutory Duty of Care (IMPORTANT)

Under the **Environmental Protection Act 1990**, the householder (User) is legally responsible for ensuring their waste is disposed of lawfully. By using our platform, the User agrees to the following:

  • **Verification:** The User **MUST** independently verify the Collector’s **Upper Tier Waste Carrier, Broker, and Dealer (CBDU) Registration Number** on the Environment Agency’s Public Register before allowing the collection to take place.
  • **Documentation:** The User is responsible for demanding and retaining a completed and signed **Waste Transfer Note (WTN)** from the Collector upon collection for a minimum of two years.
  • **Liability:** The User acknowledges that if the Collector fails to dispose of the waste legally (e.g., fly-tipping), both the Collector and the User may face prosecution or fines if the User failed to check the Collector’s license and retain the WTN.

2. User Obligations (The Client)

By submitting a request for collection, the User warrants and agrees to the following:

  • You must accurately describe the items and the collection location.
  • You confirm you are the legal owner of the items being scrapped and have the authority to dispose of them.
  • You understand that all payments for scrap metal (if applicable) must be made via a non-cash method (e.g., bank transfer, cheque) in compliance with the **Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 (SMDA)**. Cash transactions are illegal.
  • You agree to provide the Collector with the required identification (e.g., driving license, utility bill) as required by the SMDA.
  • You must ensure the scrap is easily accessible and safe for the Collector to handle at the agreed-upon time.

Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with these obligations, particularly relating to ownership, identification, or verification of the Collector’s licence, may result in the Collector refusing to proceed with the collection or the User incurring legal penalties.

3. Collector Obligations (Third-Party Providers)

Collectors registered on our platform must warrant and agree to the following:

  1. **Licensing:** The Collector warrants that they currently hold and will maintain, without lapse, a valid **Scrap Metal Dealer Licence (SMDL)** and an **Upper Tier Waste Carrier, Broker, and Dealer (CBDU) registration** with the Environment Agency (or relevant regional body).
  2. **Compliance:** The Collector must adhere strictly to the **Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013** and the **Environmental Protection Act 1990 (Duty of Care)** for all waste generated via leads from this platform.
  3. **Documentation:** The Collector is **SOLELY RESPONSIBLE** for the accurate and timely generation, completion, signing, and retention of a valid **Waste Transfer Note (WTN)** or, where required, a **Hazardous Waste Consignment Note (HWCN)** for every collection, and for supplying a copy to the User.
  4. **Indemnity:** The Collector shall indemnify and hold harmless Scrap4Free against any and all liabilities, claims, fines, penalties, losses, costs, and expenses arising from or connected with their failure to comply with environmental regulations, including, but not limited to, **fly-tipping or illegal disposal** of collected waste.
  5. **Conduct:** Conduct all business in a professional, courteous, and safe manner.
  6. **Pricing and Scheduling:** Communicate all pricing (free collection, purchase price, or disposal fee) and scheduling details clearly to the User before arrival.

3A. Collector Subscription and Lead Access

The Collector agrees to the following terms regarding the subscription fee paid to Scrap4Free:

  1. **Subscription Fee:** The Collector shall pay a non-refundable monthly subscription fee of **£50.00** (the “Subscription”) to gain access to potential leads posted on the Scrap4Free platform.
  2. **Purpose of Fee:** The Subscription Fee is payment for **platform access, advertising, and lead distribution only**. It is **not** a fee for brokering, arranging, or guaranteeing the successful completion of any waste transfer transaction.
  3. **Lead Volume:** Scrap4Free makes no guarantee as to the quantity, quality, or conversion rate of leads provided. The Subscription Fee is payable regardless of the number of leads received or jobs secured by the Collector.
  4. **Termination for Non-Compliance:** Scrap4Free reserves the right to immediately terminate the Collector’s access and subscription, without refund, if the Collector’s licences (SMDL or CBDU) expire, become invalid, or if the Collector is found to be in breach of any of the environmental compliance obligations listed in Clause 3.

3B. Hazardous Waste and Money Laundering Compliance

The Collector agrees to specific compliance requirements for hazardous materials and financial transactions:

  1. **Hazardous Waste:** The Collector is **exclusively responsible** for correctly classifying any waste identified as hazardous (e.g., fridges, freezers, certain WEEE) under the European Waste Catalogue (EWC) and for fulfilling the **pre-notification requirements** and administrative duties for the **Hazardous Waste Consignment Note (HWCN)** before the waste is moved.
  2. **SMDA Identity Verification:** The Collector is **SOLELY RESPONSIBLE** for ensuring that for every paid scrap transaction, they verify and record the full name, address, and required ID of the User (the seller) as mandated by the **Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013**.
  3. **Illegal Payments:** The Collector warrants they will **NEVER** use cash for the payment of scrap metal, and will adhere to all anti-money laundering regulations related to the scrap trade.

4. Pricing, Payment, and Free Collection

Pricing arrangements are made strictly between the User and the Collector, separate from Scrap4Free.

  • **”Free Collection”:** This typically applies to common household ferrous metals (e.g., washing machines, cookers). The term means the Collector will not charge the User a fee for removal, as the metal value covers the time and transport cost.
  • **Charged Collection:** Items containing special refrigerants (e.g., fridges, freezers) or non-metal hazardous waste may incur a statutory disposal charge. The Collector must inform the User of any such charge before attending the site.
  • **Scrap Purchase:** If the items have significant value (e.g., large quantities of copper, brass), the Collector will pay the User. This payment MUST be non-cash.

5. Indemnity and Disputes

  1. **Indemnity:** By using the platform, the User agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Scrap4Free against any claims, damages, or disputes arising from the direct actions or inactions of the Collector.
  2. **Dispute Resolution:** In the event of a dispute between the User and the Collector (e.g., no-show, disagreement on price, property damage), the User must attempt to resolve the matter directly with the Collector. Scrap4Free may, at its sole discretion, assist in mediation but is under no obligation to do so.
  3. **Platform Availability:** Scrap4Free does not guarantee continuous, uninterrupted access to its platform and reserves the right to suspend the service for maintenance or operational reasons without notice.

6. Intellectual Property

All content, logos, designs, and software on the Scrap4Free website are the property of Scrap4Free and are protected by copyright law. Unauthorised reproduction or use is strictly prohibited.

7. Changes to Terms

Scrap4Free reserves the right to revise these Terms at any time by posting the updated Terms on this page. Your continued use of the platform constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

8. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising under or in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

For any queries regarding these Terms and Conditions, please refer to our contact page: https://scrap4free.co.uk/contact-us-scrap4free-co-uk/.