Metal Recycler
License allows an individual to engage in the business of purchasing, utilizing equipment or machinery for the processing of, and operating or maintaining a place for the storage of: aluminum cans, ferrous or nonferrous metals (steel alloys or plates, copper cables, iron) as scrap, and possible sale and reuse.
Licensee must maintain up-to-date records of all metal transactions with the exception of aluminum cans, and must comply with all other record keeping, transaction reporting and scrap value estimating.
Licensee must ensure all stock shall be open and available for examination by authorized law enforcement officers.
Unless authorized in writing by a parent or guardian, no licensee may purchase or acquire goods from a minor.
Licensee must notify law enforcement of the receipt of or offer to purchase suspected stolen items.
Applicant must pass a national criminal background check prior to the approval of the license.
Inspections are required to be done by Houston Police Department on each application. Related to approval inspection, licensee must maintain the premises in compliance with the Code during the term of the license.
Renewals are required provided still in operation.
Administration fee is regulated by the State of Texas
- Metal Recycler application
- Federal Tax ID number
- Current Certificate of Occupancy
- Copy of the executed property deed and/or lease agreement
- Valid driver's license or other form of government-issued photographic identification
- National criminal background check
- Method of payment: cash, check, cashier's check, money order, or debit/credit card
- Bring the completed application, supporting documents and payment to the Houston Permitting Center.
- Obtain a numbered ticket from the Information Desk. Please wait in the lobby until your number is called.
- Once the application has been filed, ARA will direct the applicant to a designated facility for fingerprinting and the background check.
- If all information is acceptable, the license can be issued upon payment of the annual fee.
Prior to issuance, the applicant must pass a national criminal background check, and the property must pass inspection by the City of Houston.
Following the issuance of a license, the operator may apply for a variance to the open storage requirements. If approved, a non-refundable fee must be paid.
A license application can be denied if any applicant or on-site representative has been denied a license or is not in compliance with criminal history inquiry.
The location must be inspected by the Burglary & Theft Division of the Houston Police Department prior to the issuance of the permit. Once the location has been approved and meets all other criteria, ARA will notify the applicant to pick-up permit.
A renewal notice will be mailed for each applicable two-year license at least 30 days prior to the account expiration date. If notice has not been received, contact 832-394-8803 and request an application from ARA - Commercial Permitting & Enforcement.
- Metal Recycler application
- Federal Tax ID number
- Current Certificate of Occupancy
- Copy of the executed property deed and/or lease agreement
- Valid driver's license or other form of government-issued photographic identification
- National criminal background check
- Method of payment: cash, check, cashier's check, money order, or debit/credit card
- Bring the completed application, supporting documents and payment to the Houston Permitting Center.
- Obtain a numbered ticket from the Information Desk. Please wait in the lobby until your number is called.
- Once the application has been filed, ARA will direct the applicant to a designated facility for fingerprinting and the background check.
- If all information is acceptable, the license can be issued upon payment of the annual fee.