Massachusetts Scrap Metal Laws
Payment Restrictions:
Massachusetts has special payment restrictions, see the legal mandates below. Nexus handles ALL payment restrictions automatically. For instance, if a material can only be paid by check, Nexus will disable CASH & ATM buttons and only allow the operator to generate a check, which Nexus generates and prints for you.
Fingerprinting:
Massachusetts does not require fingerprints.
Video Recording:
Massachusetts requires facilities to record video using security cameras. Nexus tracks time, dates and weights for each material -- making locating a video for law enforcement extremely easy!
Tag and Hold:
Massachusetts requires yards to tag-and-hold certain materials for a period of time to give law enforcement time to locate possibly stolen material matching that description. Once tag-and-hold expires, the material can be recycled. Nexus handles all of this scheduling for you -- 100% automated with no manual input required.
License Scanning:
Massachusetts requires each customers drivers license, ID card, consulate ID or passport to be scanned and kept on file. Nexus automates this process by taking a picture of the license, scanning all the data, letting you know when it expires and keeping it on file forever!
Vehicle Descriptions:
Massachusetts requires every purchase of scrap metal to also have the customer or drivers vehicle information recorded as part of the transaction. Nexus keeps track of every vehicle for you, as well as the number of occupants!
Taking Photographs of Materials:
Massachusetts requires that each material/purchase have a snapshot image to be taken while the material is being weighed. Nexus does this automatically, unlike other systems, your employees won't have to click any buttons or do anything manually to capture images.
Taking Photographs of Customers Faces:
Massachusetts does not require facial photographs. However, it is always a good idea for law enforcement. Nexus does this automatically, unlike other systems, your employees won't have to click any buttons or do anything manually to capture images.
Notify Law Enforcement:
Massachusetts requires law enforcement notifications when certain materials are purchased. Nexus alerts you when you need to report a material and generates a tag for Tag-And-Hold.
NMVTIS Reporting:
ALL STATES, not just Massachusetts are required to report vehicle purchases to NMVTIS through services like Add123.com or Nexus' integrated reporting system. Failure to report vehicles results in a $1,500 fine PER VEHICLE by the federal government. Nexus handles vehicle purchases, VIN number decoding and NMVTIS reporting automatically!
Legal Mandates
Updated January 2014
State Requirements
In order to sell scrap metal, sellers will be required to:
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Allow a copy of the seller’s a driver's license or state ID card
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Sign a statement indicating that they are the owner of or are authorized to sell the metal;
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Sign a statement that they have not been convicted of metal theft
Buyer’s must:
- Record license plate number of sellers vehicle used to transport scrap
- Keep an electronic record of sellers name, address and date of sale
- All sales over $250 must be recorded by photo or video of the metal being purchased
- All sales tickets must have location of sale, date and time of the sale, as well as the initials of the clerk completing the sale.
- Must also show the weight, quantity and/or volume of the material.
- Must include a general description of the material and if the material is insulated.
- Sales tickets must be signed by the seller. Seller will receive a copy of the receipt and buyer will retain a copy.
· Buyer must report purchased vehicle information to NMVTIS
· Tag and hold policy is in effect (for a minimum of 10 days)
NOTE: Please be aware of your local ordinances. Many cities and counties have additional ordinances that may not be listed here.
Keep records, certifications, registrations, etc. on site for 2 year.
Scrap recyclers must maintain a record of all purchases for a minimum of two years and is subject to inspection by any law enforcement at any time. There is a tag-and-hold policy for a minimum of 10 days when notified by law enforcement to do so.
All transactions must be recorded and sent electronically to the criminal history systems board within 48 hours of receipt of materials.
It is unlawful to purchase the following materials: any street sign, manhole cover, beer keg, propane container for fueling forklifts, street light, guard rail, water meter cover, railroad track, railroad spike, funeral or memorial marker, any metal item bearing the mark of any government entity, utility company or brewer, or copper wire, the insulation around which such dealer knew, or reasonably should have known, had been burned or stripped away (unless the seller is licensed to sell the material).
It is unlawful to purchase vehicles in which the VIN number has been removed or defaced.
Links to Other Important Information for Massachusetts Salvage/Recycling
Auto-Parts Salvage/Recycling
· Scrap Tires – http://www.epa.gov/region1/solidwaste/scraptires/index.html
· Environmental Safety pertaining to junkyards - http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/managing.htm
· Regulations for scrap yards and junkyards -http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/187/Senate/S00145
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