ReMA: New Copper Theft Law Could Result in Closure of Scrap Metal Businesses

The new law is feared to deter people from recycling, argued Jeremy Estenson, ReMA lobbyist.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Minnesota Department of Commerce is being sued by the trade association that represents scrap metal workers over a new state law that will take effect on January 1, 2025.

In its complaint against Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold, the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) said Monday that the new rule may violate the state constitution and possibly result in the closure of the scrap metal business in the area.

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Furthermore, ReMA said that the bill's provisions are overly expansive. Elements and traces of copper can be found in a variety of items. Regretfully, the law makes no explicit reference of the types of copper that are covered. ReMA advocate Jeremy Estenson claimed that the new law will discourage people from recycling.

Cities throughout the state have faced the threat of copper wire theft in recent years. An estimated $1.2 million was spent by the city of St. Paul alone to replace and repair signals and lighting that had been destroyed by copper wire thieves. Reducing theft instances is the goal of the Copper Wire Theft Law. The new state law stipulates that copper sellers must spend $250 to receive a license. The proposed license fee, according to ReMA, is excessively exorbitant.

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