New Mexico Program Helps Combat Copper and Catalytic Converter Theft

Under the state’s Sale of Recycled Metals Act, secondhand metal dealers in New Mexico are required to register with the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department’s Recycled Metals Program.

Source: New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department
Images: Courtesy

Copper wire, catalytic converters and other scrap metals may be valuable to thieves, but New Mexico has a system in place designed to make stolen materials harder to sell.

Under the state’s Sale of Recycled Metals Act, secondhand metal dealers in New Mexico are required to register with the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department’s Recycled Metals Program. Dealers must maintain records of transactions, including information about sellers and the types of metals purchased.

The law covers a variety of regulated materials, including copper, brass, bronze, aluminum and catalytic converters—items that are frequently targeted by thieves because of their resale value.

State officials say the program helps law enforcement investigate thefts while discouraging criminals from selling stolen materials for cash.

The Recycled Metals Program also recently launched a secure Electronic Data Transfer (EDT) system, allowing registered dealers to electronically upload transaction information required under state law.

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Residents and businesses who become victims of metal theft are encouraged to report the crime to local law enforcement immediately.

Victims are also encouraged to submit theft information through ScrapTheftAlert.com, a nationwide alert system monitored by secondhand metal dealers. Dealers are required to monitor the site and avoid purchasing materials reported as stolen.

Metal theft can have consequences far beyond the value of the material itself. Theft of copper wire can disrupt utilities and communications, while stolen catalytic converters can leave vehicle owners facing expensive repairs.

The Sale of Recycled Metals Act, originally enacted in 2012, established registration requirements for secondhand metal dealers, expanded the list of regulated materials, and created electronic reporting requirements intended to improve transparency in the scrap metal market.

For more information about the Recycled Metals Program, visit the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department or contact the program office in Albuquerque.