Alaska Metal Scrap Statute

The State Metals Theft Laws summaries are not intended to provide or be relied as a legal advice. This material is provided to serve as a reasonable compilation of the most current state scrap laws and is intended to be a resource or supplement to, and provide ideas for, compliance with all applicable laws. The ISRI State Scrap Laws are subject to change and readers should visit http://www.isri.org/metalstheftdb to make certain they are reading the most recent version of ISRI's summaries of the State Metals Theft Laws

• Materials Covered and Other Definitions
• Exemptions
• Recordkeeping
• Retention
• Inspection
• Penalties

Please Note: Alaska Statutes Chapter 08.60, Article 3: Scrap Metal Dealer Record Requirements, is created by 2014 Alaska CSHB 305 (awaiting final action by the Governor at the time this summary was posted) and will take effect on January 1, 2015.

HB 305 also repeals the requirement of AS 08.60.010 for junk dealers or metal scrappers to obtain an annual license from the Department of Revenue.

HB 305 does not change the requirements of Ch. 08.60, Article 2: Regulation of Junk Yards (AS 08.60.050 to AS 08.60.100). Article 2 defines "junk" as including metals, automobiles, tools, implements, rags, used building materials, rubber, and paper; and "junk yard" as a location where junk is gathered together and stored for a commercial or public purpose.

Materials Covered and Other Definitions

"Scrap Metal" means used, discarded, or previously owned brass, copper, bronze, aluminum, lead, stainless steel, catalytic converter material, or other metal; but does not include ferrous metal, beverage containers, gold, silver, or platinum. "Scrap Metal Dealer" or "Dealer" means a person who purchases Scrap Metal for the purpose of resale or processing.

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Exemptions

The law exempts:

• Scrap Metal purchase transactions under $100;
• Transactions with a Seller if the Dealer maintains a file with the Seller's name, address, telephone number, and either a IRS taxpayer identification number or a valid government-issued photo identification card (number or copy).

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Recordkeeping

A Dealer must maintain an accurate paper or electronic record of each in-person purchase of Scrap Metal for $100 or more with the following information:

• The date, time, and location;
• The value of the Scrap Metal Purchased;
• The Seller's name, address, and telephone number, as well as:
  
  If the Seller is an individual, the Seller's driver's license number or a number from or copy of the Seller's government-issued photo identification;
  
  If the Seller is an organization, the Seller's state business license number issued under AS 43.70.020;
• A description, including license plate information, of the delivery vehicle;
• A description, including weight and quantity, of the Scrap Metal. The weigh scale must comply with the state standards of weights and measure under AS 45.75;
• The Seller's signed and dated written or electronic statement that the Scrap Metal is not stolen property. The Dealer or their agent or employee must witness the signing

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Retention

Records must be maintained for 5 years after the date of the transaction

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Inspection

Records must be available for inspection by a law enforcement officer during the Dealer's regular business hours, or at reasonable times if the Dealer does not keep regular hours

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Penalties

A Dealer who knowingly fails to comply with or a person who knowingly makes a false entry for the Recordkeeping provision is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

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