Scrap Metal Recycling:Theft, Facilities & the Law

Walter BlackburnPresident

Arkansas Recyclers Association

What material is being targeted by all scrap metal thieves?

Metal Property TheftThieves target everything that can be stolen.

Items that we commonly get theft calls include:

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Tougher Laws on Recycling Facilities

All Arkansas Recyclers must:

Record name of seller.

Date material acquired.

Physical address where acquired.

Affirmation that seller is legal owner.

Affirmation that seller is not a thief.

Seller has permission to sell material.

Maintain accurate sales records.

Records must include:

Transaction time/date stamp.

Copy of sellers state issued ID.

Seller’s thumbprint.

Description of material purchased.

Weight / quantity of material.

Amount paid for material.

License plate of seller’s vehicle.

Time/Date stamped photographs must include:

Photo of seller

Photo of material

Name of person purchasing material.

Digital copy of thumbprint.

Digital copy of identification.

Recycler must file a daily electronic record of all purchases.

Records shall be accessible to all law enforcement.

All records shall be kept for one year.

Recyclers can not purchase material from a minor (under 18 years old).

Metal Theft Continues….

Despite new laws being pushed through EVERY legislative session.

WHY?

Map of Ark-lahoma Region

Area Recyclers as of 01/01/1994

Area Recyclers as of 01/01/2004

Area Recyclers as of 01/01/2014

The green dots represent compliant and legal recyclers.The red dots are recyclers that are not

compliant / legal recyclers according to AR/OK state laws.

There are approximately 385 “Scrap Metal Recyclers” in

Arkansas.

Less than 50 are legal and compliant businesses.

2013 Legislative SessionThe Arkansas Recyclers Association worked

diligently

with state representatives to find real solutions to theft

problems in our state.

We encouraged law makers to pursue these illegal

facilities across our state and demand legal

compliance or be shut down.

New Laws Effective August 2013

Metal theft is now a felony subject to 5 years in prison.

This also includes theft by receiving of stolen material.

Additional time related to property damage.

Up to $1,000 fine per violation for improper records and possible Class A misdemeanor.

Improper records can result in Class D felony for business.

Person convicted of theft is banned for life from selling

scrap metals.

New Laws Effective August 2013

A license is required for all recyclers to be issued by the county sheriff.

License fee is $250.00 and may be renewed annually for $25.00.

In order to be issued a license the recycler must provide proof of the following:

A fixed physical location with full permanent utilities:

Water, Sewer, Electricity and Gas (if applicable).

A storm water permit (SWPPP) issued by the ADEQ.

The full ability to comply with online reporting.

License may be suspended or revoked by a court if at any time the recycler fails to comply with requirements.

One year after new laws passed shutting down illegal

recyclers…

Remember this map…

One year later it looks like this…

So What the Heck is going on?

Enforcement of the law is the complete responsibility of…

LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

So what can we do ourselves to help fight metal theft?

You can take the time to find out who you are doing business with.

You can ask for permits, certificates and references.

You can ask the Arkansas Recyclers Association for

information.

You can encourage local law enforcement to shut down these

illegal facilities.

Please help the ARA fight metal theft.

Thank you for your help and KEEP RECYCLING!