Clark County Enacted New Rules to Combat Scrap Metal Theft

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Clark County has made the decision to enact regulations in an effort to combat the threat of an increase in scrap metal theft instances. At a meeting yesterday, commissioners unanimously approved the ordinance that proposes the updated rules. Copper wires from streetlights and other stolen scrap metals are likely to be very difficult to sell under the new regulations.

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The regulation mandates that anyone selling scrap metal must drive their goods to the recycler's location. It will be forbidden for the recyclers to buy metals that are brought in on foot or on a cart. It also forbids companies from purchasing charred copper wires unless there is proof that the metal was not stolen.

Also, the ordinance says that payment to unlicensed scrap metal sellers may be done only by check or electronically. These transactions will be placed on hold for ten days, giving law enforcement ample opportunity to look into any questionable activity.

For a first offense, the recyclers will be fined $500 for purchasing copper illegally. Any further infractions will incur a $1,000 fine. The Metropolitan Police Department or any other officer or staff chosen by the County Manager will enforce the ordinance's restrictions.