Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 February 2022
37. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department will consider adopting new regulations prohibiting the sale of scrap metal by cash without valid identification and proof of address of the sellers of scrap metals in order to improve on traceability of sale of scrap metal and to curb scrap metal theft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6919/22]
View answerWhile regulation of the scrap metal industry is not a matter within the remit of my Department, the regulation of waste activities is relevant to the industry. In order to improve traceability of waste received and to counter the trade in stolen metal, an amendment to the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations was introduced in 2014 to require the following at all permitted facilities receiving/purchasing waste:
the production of proof of identity and current address for the person supplying the material;
- records to be kept of the registration number and waste collection permit number of the delivery vehicle;
- records to be kept describing the materials, time and date of sale, weight and amount paid; and
- the provision of a signed statement by the person supplying the material indicating that they are the lawful owner.
The Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities (WERLAs) have issued guidance to all waste facility permit holders, including Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) for end-of-life vehicles, advising them of their responsibilities and local authorities continue to undertake inspections to ensure compliance with the regulations. These inspections have been included in the National Waste Enforcement Priorities for 2022 and the WERLAs are working closely with An Garda Síochána in investigating incidences of catalytic convertor theft in particular.My Department also participates in the National Metal Theft Forum, which was established in 2012 by An Garda Síochána, to bring together stakeholders, including local authorities, the Department of Justice, and industry representatives, in order to improve information sharing and to develop a metal theft prevention and crime reduction plan.
There are no plans to introduce any further measures around traceability requirements at this time, although enforcement of the existing regulations remains a priority for the WERLAs.
