Missouri Scrap Metal Laws

Payment Restrictions:

Fingerprinting:

Video Recording:

Tag and Hold:

License Scanning:

Vehicle Descriptions:

Taking Photographs of Materials:

Taking Photographs of Customers Faces:

Notify Law Enforcement:

NMVTIS Reporting:

Legal Mandates

 Updated January 2014

***Effective July 1, 2013

State Requirements

In order to sell scrap metal, sellers will be required to:

•  Allow a copy of the seller’s a driver's license or state ID card 
• Sign a statement indicating that they are the owner of or are authorized to sell the metal (must include the following statement: "By accepting payment from [Insert name of scrap metal dealer], seller represents and warrants that the material documented by this receipt is owned by or was lawfully obtained and the seller has the legal right to sell the material to [insert name of scrap metal dealer].")
• Sign a statement that they have not been convicted of metal theft 

Buyer’s must:

• Record state of issue and license plate number, make and type of vehicle used to transport scrap
• Keep an electronic record of sellers name, address and date of sale
• All sales tickets must have location of sale, date and time of the sale, as well as the initials of the clerk completing the sale.
  • Must also show the weight, quantity and/or volume of the material.
  • Must include a general description of the material and if the material is insulated.
  • Sales tickets must be signed by the seller.  Seller will receive a copy of the receipt and buyer will retain a copy.

         ·            Buyer must report purchased vehicle information to NMVTIS

         ·            Tag and hold policy is in effect (for a minimum of 10 days)

NOTE:  Please be aware of your local ordinances.  Many cities and counties have additional ordinances that may not be listed here.

Keep records, certifications, registrations, etc. on site for 3 years. 

Scrap recyclers must maintain a record of all purchases over $50 for a minimum of three years and is subject to inspection by any law enforcement at any time. There is a tag-and-hold policy for a minimum of 10 days when requested by law enforcement.

All purchases over the amount of $150 must be made by check or money transfer.  Scrap dealers cannot make more than one purchase from any seller in one day.

***For purchases of catalytic converters: A record of the seller's gender, birthdate and a photograph of the seller, a full description of the metal, the purchase price, and the license plate number of the vehicle used to haul the scrap metal.

No scrap metal business may purchase  or receive beer kegs from anyone except a distributor or manufacturer of beer kegs or licensed brewery.

***It is unlawful to purchase items such as manhole covers, street signs, bleachers, or guardrails that are identifiable as belonging to a political subdivision, electric cooperative, or utility; as well as any materials belonging to a telecommunications provider, cable provider, wireless service or other communications-related provider, and water utilities. 

It is unlawful to purchase the following materials: Guardrails, manhole covers, certain cables used only in high voltage transmission lines, historical markers and cemetery plaques, traffic signs, refuse containers or refuse container components, catalytic converters, new construction materials, materials clearly marked as belonging to a governmental agency, public utility or private business, and any HVAC components unless accompanied by proof of ownership or authorization to sell the materials on behalf of the owner.

The privacy of the customers must be protected and not disclosed to anyone other than law enforcement officials.

It is unlawful to purchase any scrap metal (other than aluminum cans) from persons under the age of 18 unless they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

***Payment of amounts over $500 or to any seller of catalytic converters, copper property or HVAC components who presents valid copper property peddler's license shall be by check. Checks shall be written to the licensee or certified tradesperson and may be delivered to the seller at the time of the sale.  If the seller does not have a peddler’s license, all payment must be made by check which is mailed to the sellers home address. Be sure to keep a copy of the seller's driverse license on file for all transactions.

A scrap metal dealer shall register with or subscribe to the alert system established by the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc., referred to as the ISRI Scrap Theft Alert system and maintain that registration or subscription. The ISRI Scrap Theft Alert system is an internet-based alert system available to dealers, law enforcement agencies, and the general public that lists and tracks, at a minimum, thefts of nonferrous metal and articles containing nonferrous metals.

Links to Other Important Information for Missouri Salvage/Recycling

Auto-Parts Salvage/Recycling

·         Scrap Tires – http://dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/tires/tirelist.htm

·         Environmental Safety pertaining to junkyards - http://www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub394.pdf

·         Regulations for scrap yards and junkyards - http://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-647.html

      ***http://www.senate.mo.gov/13info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=17254566

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