T9: recovering scrap metal
Source: gov.uk (2025-07-01)

T9 exemption allows you to treat scrap metal for handling or recovery by sorting, grading, shearing by manual feed, baling, crushing or cutting with handheld equipment.

There’s a charge for most waste exemptions

This exemption is in band Upper. Read waste exemption charges (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/waste-exemptions-how-to-choose-register-and-pay/waste-exemption-charges) to find out what the charges and charging bands are.

Types of activity you can carry out

These include:
- crushing and baling aluminium cans
- crushing ferrous (containing iron) metal such as steel
- shearing copper pipes by manual feed to make them easier to store
Types of activity you cannot carry out

You cannot:
- receive, store or treat any end-of-life vehicles or components of end-of-life vehicles such as engine blocks, batteries or catalytic converters
- treat hazardous waste
- burn any waste
Types of waste you can treat

These waste codes are those listed in the List of Wastes (LoW) Regulations. You must make sure your waste fits within the relevant waste code and description.

Amount of waste you can treat and where you can treat it

You can:
- store or treat up to 1,000 tonnes of waste at any one time
- store or treat up to 50 tonnes of cables at any one time
- store waste for up to 24 months
- store any pile or stack of waste up to a maximum height of 5 metres
- store and treat waste in a place with sealed drainage
Key conditions

Treatments you can carry out:
- sorting
- grading
- shearing by manual feed
- baling
- crushing
- cutting with hand-held equipment
Other things you need to know

You must keep records of the quantity, nature, origin and, where relevant, the destination and treatment method of all waste recovered. You must keep these records for 2 years. During this time, you must make these records available to us if we ask for them.

Related exemptions

If you want to use up to 2 depolluted end-of-life vehicles as parts for vehicles, you should register:
- U16 – using depolluted end-of-life vehicles for parts (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/waste-exemption-u16-using-depolluted-end-of-life-vehicles-for-parts)
If you only want to store metal at a dock before it is exported or after it is imported to be recovered elsewhere, you should register:
- S2 – storing waste in a secure place (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/s2-waste-exemption-storing-waste-in-a-secure-place)
You can use metal under the following exemptions, where it is appropriate:

U3 – using waste to construct entertainment or educational installations (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/waste-exemption-u3-construction-of-entertainment-or-educational-installations)

U9 – using waste to manufacture finished goods (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/waste-exemption-u9-using-waste-to-manufacture-finished-goods)

Register a T9 exemption

You need to register this exemption with the Environment Agency if you meet the requirements.

Register an exemption (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-your-waste-exemptions).

Related permits

If you want to treat more than the amount of waste allowed under this exemption or treat end-of-life vehicles, you will need to apply for an environmental permit (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/waste-environmental-permits).

Definitions

End-of-life vehicle (ELV) – an ELV is any type of motor vehicle that is waste. Waste is anything you discard, intend to discard or are required to discard. This includes metal sent for recycling or reuse.

Depolluted end-of-life vehicle – a waste vehicle from which all hazardous substances or components, including fuels, lubricating and hydraulic oils, coolants, batteries, air conditioning fluids and air bags have been removed.

Hazardous waste – see how to classify different types of waste (https://www.gov.uk/how-to-classify-different-types-of-waste).

Sealed drainage – means a drainage system with an impermeable surface that ensures that:
- no liquid will run off the surface apart from via the system
- all liquids entering the system are collected in a sealed sump, except where they may be lawfully discharged