Oregon Legislature Passes New Metal Theft Law
The 2009 Oregon legislature passed SB570, designed to curb metal theft. The bill becomes effective January 1, 2010. The bill has several requirements for businesses who sell, buy or transport scrap metal. The bill also requires District Attorney's who have scrap metal businesses in their counties to develop a plan that ensures effective communication between law enforcement and the business community regarding the theft of metal property. In addition, law enforcement agencies are to notify scrap metal businesses of a theft of metal property within 24 hours after the receipt of the report of the theft.
Contractors who sell their scrap metal directly to a scrap metal recycler should set up a commercial account with every scrap metal business where they sell scrap. Once a commercial account has been set up, contractors can be paid immediately for their scrap. Commercial contractors may be paid in cash, but if you prefer a check you should make those arrangements with the scrap metal business.
After January 1, 2010, payments to individuals who sell scrap metal will be made only by check which is mailed to a street address after a three day waiting period.
Scrap metal recyclers are required to notify law enforcement if they purchase commercial metal property from a person other than a commercial seller with a commercial account. Commercial property has a lengthy definition, but includes such things as utility access covers, traffic devices, vases, grave markers, agricultural implements, forestry implements, logging equipment, equipment used by railroads and utilities, material used by building contractors including copper or aluminum pipe, tubing or wiring.
After January 1, 2010, when your employees transport scrap metal to a recycler, they will need to carry a completed Metal Transport Certificate. A Metal Transport Certificate may be downloaded from the Oregon State Police website http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/metal_trans_certificate.shtml or from the CICP website below.