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Scrap recyclers should be required to keep a log of who they're buying scrap from, so there's a paper trail to identify patterns with. Some states require scrap
by dymk 2y ago
Scrap recyclers should be required to keep a log of who they're buying scrap from, so there's a paper trail to identify patterns with. Some states require scrap yards to do that with catalytic converters, for the same reason.
- rwmj 2y agoThere was the same issue in the UK a few years ago (with thieves even stripping copper war memorials), and the solution was indeed this, making recyclers demand ID from people and keep logs.
- PlunderBunny 2y agoDitto New Zealand. The first time I took some scrap metal to a dealer, I had to fill in a lot of paperwork, but subsequent visits required me to only show my id.
- 50208 2y agoThis ... it's the recyclers that need to stop this ... or be forced to stop it.
- sneak 2y agoThese people are buying valuable resources for pennies on the dollar in cash. They are hugely incentivized to not ask too many questions.
- christophilus 2y agoHence, “should be required to…” If you make non-compliance with the law far more painful than the profits from illegal metals, you’ve fixed the incentive problem.
- Ferret7446 2y agoIt's pointless to require something if you can't enforce it.
- dymk 2y agoRequiring record keeping is not difficult to enforce.
- spicybbq 2y agoMany states require photos, fingerprints, record retention, and other restrictions on scrap metal dealers: https://www.recyclingtoday.com/article/scrap-theft-compliance-guide/ https://www.recyclingtoday.com/article/scrap-theft-complianc...