Scrap metal collection looks simple from the outside, but who you hand your materials to actually matters — both legally and practically.
The registration requirement
In South Africa, anyone dealing in second-hand goods, including scrap metal dealers and recyclers, is required to register with the South African Police Service. This exists largely to combat theft and resale of stolen metal, particularly copper cabling and infrastructure components, which has been a persistent problem nationally.
What using an unregistered collector risks
- No accountability if materials are mishandled or dumped illegally instead of recycled
- No documentation if you need proof your items were properly destroyed
- Potential association with the stolen-metal trade, even unknowingly
- Inconsistent or unreliable service, since there's no formal standard being met
What to look for
- Confirmation the collector is registered and operates above board
- A willingness to provide documentation, including a Certificate of Destruction for sensitive materials
- Clear communication about what happens to your scrap after collection
- Consistent contact details and a real, reachable business — not just a phone number with no fixed presence
We're a registered, local operation — Jo-Ann and Sarie are reachable directly, and we can issue a Certificate of Destruction for any scrap metal collection on request, giving you documented proof of where your materials ended up.