Recycled Metals: Overview and Forms
The sale of certain recycled metals, which are purchased by secondhand metal dealers, are regulated through the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD). The types of metals regulated include aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, and steel. Certain transactions are restricted and must meet statutory requirements to occur, these include utility access covers, water meter covers, road or bridge guard rails, highway or street signs, traffic directional or control signs or signals, and catalytic converters. It is illegal to buy any stolen metal.
The Regulation and Licensing Department works closely with state and federal law enforcement agencies, in order to ensure that all secondhand metal dealers are not buying or selling stolen materials, and are fully compliant with all reporting requirements. The purchase of stolen materials may result in criminal, civil and administrative penalties. Please report any suspected criminal activity to your local police department or sheriff's office.
As of July 1, 2012, changes to the Sale of Recycled Metals Act §57-30-1 through 57-30-17 NMSA 1978 went into effect requiring:
Secondhand Metal Dealers to be registered with the Regulation and Licensing Department; prescribing duties for Secondhand Metal Dealers; providing for the suspension or revocation or registration; reducing the waiting period for resale of regulated material; allowing holds in certain circumstances; reducing the time for preservation of records; expanding the scope of regulated material; requiring uploads to an electronic database; requiring additional documentation of certain transactions; amending and enacting sections of the Sale of Recycled Metals Act.
If you have specific questions, or need information that has not been provided on the website, please contact:
Office of the Superintendent
NM Regulation & Licensing Department
Toney Anaya Building
2550 Cerrillos Road, 3rd Floor
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Tel: (505) 476-4508
Fax: (505) 476-4511
For the forms and information, please click specific link below: