Scrap metal transactions

Overview

The theft and trafficking of scrap metal threatens public safety, critical infrastructure and private property, causing serious social and economic impacts to individuals and businesses across Alberta. On November 1, 2020, provisions of the Protecting Alberta Industry from Theft Act came into force to make it more difficult for criminals to sell stolen metal for scrap.

The Public Safety and Emergency Services Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 introduced further amendments to the Scrap Metal Dealers and Recyclers Identification Act and the Scrap Metal Dealers and Recyclers Regulation to reduce scrap metal trafficking and prevent theft.

Scrap metal dealers and recyclers must report their transactions involving certain forms of scrap metal through a database. By expanding reporting requirements to include business-to-business transactions, we are preventing significant amounts of illicit scrap from entering the legitimate market. This detailed sales information is essential for helping law enforcement identify and monitor signs of criminal activity.

Scrap Metal Dealers and Recyclers Identification Act amendments came into force on September 1, 2025.

Requirements

As of September 1, 2025, all scrap metal dealers and recyclers must report all transactions involving scrap metal, whether purchased from an individual or a business, to law enforcement through a centralized database, including high-theft items like copper wire, bronze and catalytic converters.

Purchasers of scrap metal must report:

• transaction details: buyers must record and report the date, time, dollar value and location of the transaction as well as the traceable method of payment used (no cash).
• seller details: buyers must record and report the seller's name, address and government-issued photo identification as well as details of the vehicle used to transport the metal (licence plate, make, model).
• scrap metal details: a description of the metal purchased, documenting the type, quantity and per-pound price paid to the seller. Transactions for catalytic converters require the vehicle identification number (VIN) and/or proof of ownership to be recorded and reported.

Enforcement

Police and peace officers across Alberta can enforce certain violations of the act through tickets. This means if an individual commits an offence under the act it carries a specified penalty. The officer can issue a ticket to enforce the charge. If an individual charged under the act wants to plead not guilty to that charge, it will be adjudicated by a justice of the peace.

Accessing the database

Scrap metal dealers are required to report transactions involving scrap metal to a database. For sales of “restricted metal” as defined by the regulation (such as any form of copper, bronze or stripped wire), purchasers are required to report transactions details to electronically or to law enforcement within 24 hours.

Register your business

Scrap metal

The Scrap Metal Dealers and Recyclers Regulation defines “scrap metal” as:

• copper cables and wires, including power lines, telecommunications cables and cable reels
• metal traffic control lights, signals and signs
• street lighting poles, wiring and fixtures
• sewer grates and manhole covers
• metal guard rails and handrails
• metal grave markers, funeral vases, memorial plaques and monuments
• catalytic converters
• lead acid batteries

Report stolen metal

Dealers and members of the public should contact their local police to report scrap metal theft or trafficking.