Back to Scrap Laws Wyoming Metal Scrap Statute

Current as of September 14, 2015

"Junk Dealer" is defined as any person, firm, or corporation engaged in buying "second hand, or broken metals, such as copper, brass, lead, zinc, tin, steel, cast iron, rags, rubber, or waste paper".

Junk Dealers must keep a book written in ink or a dedicated computer software program recording the following information in English at the time of transaction for purchases or sales of junk metal or rubber goods:

• An accurate account and description of the junk metal or rubber goods;
• The Seller or Buyer's name and residence.

For purchases, a Junk Dealer must additionally record either of the following (optional for common household and personal items of less than $50 market value):

• The license plate number of the Seller's vehicle, if applicable; or
• Verification of the Seller's name and residence through presentation of the Seller's U.S. federal or state-issued photo identification.

Dealers must post the following conspicuously in the office of their place of business

• For purchases, the description and amount of junk articles and names and addresses of the Sellers;
• For sales, the names and addresses of the Purchasers.

A retention period is not specified

Records shall be open at all times to inspection by the sheriff of the county and his or her deputies, or any member of the police force of any city or town, in the county where the Dealer does business.

Dealers may not purchase articles from a person appearing to be intoxicated or from a person known to be a thief or to have been convicted of larceny. If the owner of stolen property "which has been so sold" is found, the property shall be returned without any payment from the owner.

A dealer found guilty shall be subject to a:

• 1st offense: $50 to $200 fine &/or a maximum of 60 days imprisonment in the county jail;
• Subsequent offenses: $100 to $300 fine &/or 30 to 90 days imprisonment in the county jail.

The law does not impair the power of cities or incorporated towns to license, tax, and regulate entities "engaging in the buying and selling of second hand metals."