Maine Scrap Metal Laws
Payment Restrictions:
Maine 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:
Maine does not require fingerprints.
Video Recording:
Maine does not require video recordings.
Tag and Hold:
Maine 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:
Maine 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:
Maine 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:
Maine does not require images to be taken of materials. 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.
Taking Photographs of Customers Faces:
Maine 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:
Maine does not require law enforcement notification.
NMVTIS Reporting:
ALL STATES, not just Maine 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 2014
***Changes Effective October 9, 2013
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 (this only needs to be collected at the first sale, additional sales can refer to the ID on file);
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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 issuing state and license plate number of sellers vehicle used to transport scrap
- Keep a record of sellers name, address and date of sale
- 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
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 1 year.
***All purchases must be made in the form of a credit card, debit card or check made payable to the seller.
Scrap recyclers must maintain a record of all purchases for a minimum of one year and is subject to inspection by any law enforcement at any time. There is a tag-and-hold policy for a minimum of 7 days when notified by law enforcement to do so.
It is unlawful to purchase the following materials: any material marked with the symbol for a governmental agency or a public utility, manhole covers, street lights, street signs, guardrails, unused or undamaged building materials, grave markers, or catalytic converters.
No scrap metal business may purchase or receive beer kegs from anyone except a distributor or manufacturer of beer kegs or licensed brewery.
It is unlawful to purchase scrap metal from a minor (under 18 years old) without a parent/guardian present.
Links to Other Important Information for Maine Salvage/Recycling
Auto-Parts Salvage/Recycling
· Scrap Tires – http://www.epa.gov/region1/solidwaste/scraptires/index.html and www.maine.gov/dep/waste/solidwaste/scraptireab.htmlCached
· Environmental Safety pertaining to junkyards - http://www.maine.gov/dep/waste/motorvehiclerecycling/
· Regulations for scrap yards and junkyards - http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/30-a/title30-Ach183sec0.html
o http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP1260&item=3&snum=125
***http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/getDoc.asp?id=13922
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