Yes.
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 purchase copper from individuals, recycling centers must verify the seller’s identity with a valid government-issued photo ID. They also need to record the date and time of the transaction, the amount of copper purchased, and the seller’s contact facts. This requirement aims to deter metal theft by making it more tough for thieves to sell stolen materials.
California Penal Code Section 488.5 outlines these regulations for scrap metal recycling, and local jurisdictions like Santa Clara County enforce them to combat metal theft and related crimes. Recycling centers that fail to comply with these requirements can face penalties.