Turned down scrap dealer at first (7)
I believe the answer is:
refused
'turned down' is the definition.
('refuse' can be a synonym of 'turn down')
'scrap dealer at first' is the wordplay.
'scrap' becomes 'refuse' (refuse can mean scrap or waste).
'at first' suggests taking the first letters.
The initial letter of 'dealer' is 'd'.
'refuse'+'d'='REFUSED'
(Other definitions for refused that I've seen before include "Was unwilling to accept" , "Said no (7)" , "Declined, rejected" , "Not accepted" , "turned down appeal" .)