Fact Brief: Are recycling centers in Santa Clara County required to collect documentation when buying copper?

Under California law, recycling centers in Santa Clara County and across the state are required to collect documentation from sellers and keep written records of junk metal sales, including copper. 

To legally accept payment, recycling centers must collect a statement from the seller that they own the metal, or a transfer document that includes the name of who the seller obtained the metal from. Additionally, the recycler must secure a copy of the seller’s valid driver’s license or other identification. Recycling centers are also required to record details such as location and date of sale and a description of the item. 

Starting January 2026, state law AB 476 will expand on these requirements and crack down on copper wire theft. The law will make it illegal to own metal from essential infrastructure and will require recycling centers to keep more extensive records on metal sales.