Scrap Metal Recycling Laws By State

Scrap metal recycling laws vary by state — and failing to comply can cost your business in fines, legal trouble, or even license suspension.

How BuyScrapSoftware Helps

Compliance, Wherever You Operate

Built-In Compliance Tools

Capture IDs, thumbprints, signatures, and photos right at the point of purchase.

State-Specific Customization

Our system adapts to the laws in your state — no guesswork required.

Automated Reporting

Generate and submit reports (like LeadsOnline) directly from your dashboard.

Payment Controls

Apply holds or restrict payout types based on your state's rules.

Select Your State

What We Cover For Each State

Required ID verification, hold periods, reporting rules, and how our software supports them. Laws change rapidly — this list may not cover everything your state requires.

Valid photo ID required from seller
Seller affidavit required
Minimum recordkeeping standards apply

Features such as ID capture and digital ownership statements help ensure complete documentation.

Valid photo ID, thumbprint, and snapshot of material and vehicle required
Seven-day tag-and-hold can be imposed by law enforcement
One year minimum retention of records

Built-in photo/video capture, record logs, fingerprint storage, and tag-and-hold alert management.

Requires copy of driver's license, thumbprint, vehicle info, and photo of seller
Two-year retention of detailed records
Payment by non-transferable check, mailed or picked up after three days (unless frequent customer)
Enforces e-waste rules and the CRV beverage container program

ID capture, signature/affidavit prompts, e-waste flagging, CRV fee tracking, and check-payment scheduling.

Recordkeeping required for two years
Five-day tag-and-hold may be required
Vehicle scrappers must report to NMVTIS

Logs seller data and vehicle details, supports NMVTIS integration, schedules hold times as needed.

Two-year record retention including vehicle photos, material description, weight, and seller information
Five-day hold for telecom wire unless seller is registered or exempt

Supports customized holds, seller/photo data capture, and wire-specific restrictions.

Records must include seller photo and vehicle plate
Immediate reporting to law enforcement mandated
Tag-and-hold of seven days unless business seller

Captures seller image, links to vehicle plate recording, triggers immediate reporting, tracks holds.

Requires ID copy, fingerprint, seller description, and sworn statement
Beer keg purchases require additional proof

Digital affidavit prompts, thumbprint scanning, ID capture, and specialty product verification.

Dealers must register annually with the sheriff
Recording of vehicle details, seller image, and time-stamped photo required
Purchases prohibited at night (7 p.m. – 7 a.m.)

Supports sheriff registration tracking, restricted-hours alerts, and image/timestamp logs.

Records kept 3 years when purchases exceed $100 (1 year for beer kegs)
Air conditioners, copper, or coils over $100 must be paid by nontransferable check
Driver's license copy and photograph required at time of purchase

Automated photo capture, ID scanning, noncash payment workflows, and long-term record retention.

Records kept for two years, including driver's license copy, seller photo, and material photo
Five-business-day tag-and-hold may be requested by law enforcement

Logs seller details, materials, photos, and tracks holds automatically.