Scrap metal laws in the USA

Manufacturing is the biggest driver of the US economy and this results in a huge need for metal, so it’s high time to understand the scrap metal industry better. Scrap yards have been growing in popularity in recent years, when lots of people realized the potential to make money from it, and now there are a number of different locations in almost every single city of the USA where you can sell your scrap metal.

Before you learn how to get the best prices, it is hugely important to know the laws that govern metal scrapping in the US.

First thing to be aware of when selling metal to a scrap yard is that the yard in every state will require a valid ID card, drivers license, consulate ID or passport to be scanned. This information will be kept on record with the transaction details for a period of time which is different for each state. Moreover, the USA requires every purchase of scrap metal to also have the customer or drivers vehicle information recorded as part of the transaction. All states are required to report vehicle purchases to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS).

In order to sell scrap metal, sellers are required to sign a statement indicating that they are the owner of or are authorized to sell the metal and a document stating that they have not been convicted of metal theft as well.

The US requires yards to tag-and-hold certain materials for a period of time to give law enforcement time to locate possibly stolen material matching that description. Once tag-and-hold expires, the material can be recycled. This law has played a huge role in fighting the theft of scrap metal.

Scrap metal laws by state USA

The US is a great place to sell scrap, but every state has its own unique laws and regulations that you need to know before heading out to the scrap yard for the first time. Now that we have been through the basics, that are true all over the US, we can talk about how you will be able to sell your material in your region. The laws and regulations can be vastly different from state to state and if you want to be familiar with the details, you can do this with the links below.