New Law Targets Scrap Metal Theft

A law that took effect December 9th could help curtail scrap metal theft. State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski, a primary sponsor of the bill, said such thefts cost taxpayers, as well as cities and other municipalities. Under the new law, when a scrap processor or recycling facility receives certain restricted materials, such as beer kegs, manhole lids, or any other scrap material valued at more than $100, the business must collect information from the seller. This includes a copy of the person's driver's license, signatures of the buyer and seller, a license plate number of the seller, the date and time of the transaction, and a description of the material. Representative Pashinski said this gives police a better chance to fight theft.