Wisconsin 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

State Requirements

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

         ·            Agree to allow photocopy of driver's license or state ID card;

         ·            Sign a statement indicating that they are the owner of or are authorized to sell the metal;

         ·            Sign a statement that they have not been convicted of metal theft 

Buyer’s must:

• Record description, state and license plate number of sellers vehicle used to transport scrap
• Keep a record of sellers name, business name (if applicable), address, telephone number and date of sale
• All sales tickets must have date and time of the sale, as well as the name of the clerk completing the sale.
  • Must also show the weight, quantity and/or volume of the material.
  • Sales tickets must also show the dollar amount paid for the material.
  • 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

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 2 years. 

Scrap recyclers must maintain a record of all purchases for a minimum of two years and is subject to inspection by any law enforcement at any time.

It is unlawful to purchase any scrap metal from persons under the age of 18 years (with the exception of food and beverage cans).

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

Links to Other Important Information for Wisconsin Salvage/Recycling

Auto-Parts Salvage/Recycling

·         Tires -  http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/wm/solid/tires.htm 

·         State EPA Regulations - http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/wm/household.htm

·         State regulations -  http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2007/related/acts/64.pdf

o    Pending legislation 2012: http://docs.legis.wi.gov/2011/related/proposals/ab363/_12

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