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By SUSAN M. COVER
Staff Writer 01/04/2008

enlarge Staff photo by Joe Phelan

Rick Messer gestures with a copper pipe as he talks about a proposed bill regulating the metal recycling business during an interview at his family business Best Price Recycling in Chelsea.

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Rep. Seth Berry, a Democrat, said reports of stolen copper from Central Maine Power Co. substations and the theft of catalytic converters from vehicles brought the problem to his attention.

"I'm concerned about the rise in crime associated with rising metal prices," he said. "It's important we get ahead of it."

The demand for metals has increased in recent years, as has the price, which has sparked thefts across the country. Catalytic converters contain small amounts of platinum and other precious metals, which makes them attractive to thieves.

Three local scrap metal recyclers said they would want to make sure any new law that puts additional regulations on them is effective and would be enforced fairly on all dealers.

Berry's bill, which will be considered by the Business, Research and Economic Development Committee in the coming weeks, requires scrap metal recyclers to:

n Maintain an "accurate and legible record" of scrap metal purchases more than 100 pounds or $50.

n Requires the seller to provide identification and a signed statement that he or she is the owner of the metal or is authorized to sell it.

n Requires scrap metal recyclers to notify police if they believe a stolen product comes into their yard.

n Prohibits the purchase of scrap metal from a minor without consent of a parent or guardian.

John Clark, of Clark's Cars and Parts in Farmingdale, said he already takes the steps Berry is proposing.

"I think in light of all the thefts that have taken place, something needs to be done," he said.

Peter McAvoy, vice president of Smorgon Steel Recycling in Oakland, said his company also already does much of what Berry is proposing to do. For example, they take names and addresses of their customers, require customers to sign a slip that states they are the owner of the scrap, and they get identification and vehicle information from those they "have a bad feeling about," he said.

His hesitation with the bill is that reputable companies already comply with many state regulations, and this would add to their responsibility.

Others who are less reputable would likely continue to ignore the law, he said.

"If they pass laws, they should make sure everybody abides by them," he said. "For legitimate businesses, it creates an unfair advantage to a little hole-in-the -wall guy."

Rick Messer of Best Price Recycling in Chelsea said he'd make a distinction between metal that can easily be traced back to its rightful owner and metal that can't. He said if someone brings in shiny copper, it makes sense to check for identification. But he said there's no reason to add more paperwork to try to identify burnt or decayed copper. "There's a fine line there," he said. "Yes, if someone stole a new catalytic converter, take their ID and call the police."

Berry, who modeled the bill after Arkansas legislation, said ultimately, these types of thefts can result in higher utility rates if the electric companies have to continue to pay for thefts. He's hoping the scrap metal recyclers, who suffer from theft, too, will help solve the problem.

And he doesn't want to discourage people from recycling.

"I really look forward to initiating a conversation with scrap metal dealers and saying, what will work for you," he said. "They would be holding others accountable."

Susan Cover -- 623-1056

scover@centralmaine.com

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