Q: Got Unwanted Stuff? If “Yes”, We Can Help!
Send Details on Contact Form Below>> or Call Us @ 720-615-0281
There is money to be made by scrapping metal. For some, scrapping metal is a way to add an extra, supplemental income stream. For others, it’s how they make their living. In either case, it’s important to understand how to do it legally, in compliance with state laws and the requirements of the scrap yards that can turn the scrap metal you collect into money in your pocket.
Every state has its own statutes governing the scrap metal industry and scrap metal recycling in the state. The intent of these state laws is to protect scrap yards and their customers against unknowingly purchasing stolen materials or being falsely accused of wrongdoing.
Got Stuff? We buy surplus inventory and hard to recycle items. Call us before you send it to the landfill!
Common State Laws for Scrap Metal Recycling
All 50 states have laws that scrap yards must abide by when purchasing metals from scrappers. When scrap yard personnel require you to show identification or enforce other rules, it’s not to make things difficult for you. It’s usually because that’s what it takes for them to operate in compliance with the law.
The most common legal requirements are summarized below.
Payment Restrictions
Typically, scrap yard operators are required to pay for the metal scrap they purchase by check, not cash. And they are required to hold payments for a certain number of days. You may have to go back to the scrap yard to collect your check a couple of days after selling a load of scrap metal.
Seller Identification
Scrappers may have to show a government-issued photo ID card and allow a copy to be made for the scrap yard’s records. Some states require fingerprints from those selling scrap metal to a scrap yard.
State Examples
Arizona
- Payment by non-transferable check mailed to the address on the scrapper’s state ID
- Fingerprint of scrapper’s right index finger
- Photos and/or video recording of scrapper and materials sold
- Photocopy to be made of scrapper’s photo ID and retained on file
Colorado
- Payment by check for commodity metals sales of $300 or more (cash if under $300)
- Photo/video of scrapper and materials to be kept on file
- Photocopy of scrapper’s driver’s license to be kept on file
Iowa
- Payment by check or electronic funds transfer for sales over $50
- Photocopy of scrapper’s driver’s license to be kept on file
- Records of all transactions retained for a minimum of 12 months