Scrap metal businesses must use theft alerts and keep records

Scrap metal businesses must subscribe to a theft alert system, download and use its alerts, and keep copies. Law enforcement agencies may register and report metal thefts that occur in their jurisdiction. Businesses must use alerts to identify metal that may be stolen when conducting applicable business activity. The system must be the free system maintained by the Recycled Materials Association or its successor, or an equivalent system described by Department of Justice rule. Businesses must keep each alert for at least 90 days after receiving and downloading it.

The law defines certain telecommunications wire and wire with its insulation removed as commercial metal property. Commercial metal property also includes listed metal items used in utilities, construction, transportation, farming, forestry, and logging. Telecommunications wire must be copper or copper alloy and show signs that it is, or is likely to be, equipment used by a telecommunications provider. For metallic wire with its insulation removed, commercial sellers must provide documentation showing ownership or authority to sell and that the insulation was removed accidentally or for a legitimate reason. These provisions apply to conduct on or after January 1, 2027.