New Scrap Metal Regulations

NukeWorker · #1 (**permalink**) 07-10-2007, 11:45 AM

I was reading on the plane that because of the wave of scrap metal thefts across the country that 39 states are implementing new laws to better control the sale of scrap.
They are backed by several large trade groups, Verizon, and other utilities so they have a pretty good chance of passing. Even Anheuser Busch is backing them. Evidently, people are buying kegs, drinking the beer and scrapping the empties. For the $10 deposit, you can get $50 worth of scrap.
I will post a link to the article when I get a little more time.

demobud · #2 (**permalink**) 07-11-2007, 08:20 AM

I saw that too, apparently some enterprising thieves are stealing empty kegs from peoples backyards as well. Lock down your beer before you go to bed!

**James** · #3 (**permalink**) 07-11-2007, 08:42 AM

Yes please post the article.

It's is getting bad here around here, so much so people are actually stealing sewer drain covers right out of the middle of the road. I have also heard about they kegs, they just busted a couple people who were breaking into bars and stealing the kegs.

I agree they need to do something.

NukeWorker · #4 (**permalink**) 07-11-2007, 09:26 AM

Here is the article.

The dark side of metal madness - July 9, 2007

I am not so sure that more regulations are needed. I think they just need to enforce the current ones. In this city, scrap metal companies ae only allowed to purchase metals from licensed contractors but everytime I go there I still see the guys lined up with their shopping carts.

Bytepusher · #5 (**permalink**) 07-11-2007, 02:53 PM

This is new?

Back in the early 90s when I was living in Chicagoland I was told that at some point the city had distributed new standardized curbside trash cans to residents that the trucks could pick up and dump using a handle on the back side of the cans, this handle was an aluminum tube about 24 inches long, and in very short order most of them had been stolen and sold to scrap dealers.

I also read that within the last could years that people were cutting down street lights in Baltimore to cart away and sell for scrap.

NukeWorker · #6 (**permalink**) 07-11-2007, 04:07 PM

It is nothing new, but as the price of scrap continues to skyrocket it becomes a lot more prevelant
Can you imagine going to school and the bleachers are missing??

**James** · #7 (**permalink**) 07-12-2007, 08:46 AM

I agree it's nothing new, but 3-5 years ago you never heard about people stealing "outside" your own crew or thieves climbing poles to still wire. It's just getting downright crazy.

demobud · #8 (**permalink**) 07-12-2007, 04:51 PM

I'm not sure we will ever be able to get away from the peddler scrap; as long as I've been in the biz there has been talk of closing out to peddlers but as soon as one dealer does someone else opens up to them. I'm not sure wha the answer is except for everyone to do their best to lock down what they've got.