ReMa sues Minnesota over anti-metal theft law

Members of the Recycled Materials Association (ReMa) has slammed a potentially ‘catastrophic’ new law meant to curb metal theft in Minnesota. The development has sparked a lawsuit.

As of January, the new Copper Metal Law will prohibit anyone in Minnesota from selling copper to scrap yards without having an annual US$ 250 (EUR 238) permit. ReMa’s Upper Midwest Chapter says the law does not differentiate between the sources of copper and also applies to scrap with very low copper content. 

Deterring recycling, not thieves

Once in effect, anyone selling scrap will need the licence. These extra costs could ruin the recycling sector without catching the thieves, insists recycler Neil Byce. The owner of CW Metals and Nordic Metals is calling on legislators to include recyclers in discussions about the new law.

ReMa’s Upper Midwest Chapter is seeking an injunction against the state’s department of commerce head Grace Arnold in a bid to delay the law from coming into force in its current form.

The good news is that Minnesota officials have stated they are open to updating how material is defined. It is hoped this spirit of collaboration can find a resolution without hurting the scrap sector.

Millions in damage

The city of St. Paul spent over US$ 1.2 million repairing and replacing infrastructure damaged by copper wire thieves in 2023. Minneapolis spent almost US$ 500 000 coping with copper theft last year.

ReMa supports the goal to stop copper theft, which has long been an issue. However, Byce argues that, regardless of any legislation, criminals would still be able to sell the stolen copper across state lines.