Americans will baulk, but transactions should be recorded and require photo ID if you're recycling more than 1KG of Copper or any amount of Platinum.
this post was submitted on 26 Nov 2025
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In my state (WA), it is required. Some sketchy scrapyards probably don't give a shit though. Also, I'm pretty sure that, at least in my county (but it may be state-wide) any amount of copper requires a photo ID and entry into a database.
I totally agree with these restrictions, but wanted to add those details.
My state requires ID (I'm unsure if there's a max you can give without it, but I brought like $50 and needed ID) and they're also required to mail a check instead of giving cash on the spot. I imagine that helps deter some people from trying to get a quick payday.
Already required for any amount in my state.
Near my friend's house the city is desperately trying to push EV adoption with city-funded chargers and everything. The cables were cut before they were even fully installed. The power distribution cabinet was gutted. Literally the city switched all street lights to solar lights because the copper in the street lights were getting stolen so often, their solution was to remove the copper power cables from the streets. And these aren't like under an overpass where people wouldn't see. This is 10ft outside a gas station convenience store.
I go to chargers that are constantly rotating pictures offering $1k rewards for identifying any person in the photos because they've stolen the cables from those chargers (thankfully those are never broken when I go to them)
And I KNOW those cables are expensive. For my home charger, which only does 50A, the cable is $200, the bulk of the price. Fast chargers have to do 100+A.