Selling scrap in Green Bay means dealing with a Wisconsin law that makes yards collect detailed records about who sold what. This guide covers what we could confirm about the statute, what to expect at the scale and how to compare offers. No prices appear below, as we had nothing current that we could source, and it rests on summaries of the statute and its amendments. Disclosure: ScrapTrade runs an online scrap marketplace and benefits when scrap changes hands.
Wisconsin's scrap dealer statute
Wisconsin regulates scrap metal dealers under section 134.405 of its statutes, which has been amended several times, including by 2007 Act 64 and 2011 Act 194. We could not read a clean current version.
For individual sellers, the dealer records identifying details such as the seller's date of birth, identification number, address and the vehicle's licence plate, due by the business day after the purchase. A dealer with a commercial account can instead keep its own purchase records: the account name, a contact person, the time, date and value of each purchase and a description of the main material types.
For nonferrous scrap or metal articles, the dealer must obtain the seller's signed declaration of ownership. Police can inspect records at the dealer's premises during business hours, and each day of a knowing violation counts separately.
What to bring
- A photo ID, since the dealer records your date of birth, ID number and address.
- Details of the vehicle you arrive in.
- Time to sign a declaration of ownership if you are selling copper, aluminium or similar nonferrous metal.
- Business account details if you sell regularly as a company.
Judging an offer
Green Bay yards will each grade your load their own way, so describe it precisely and compare in writing. Weigh before you go, and ask whether the rate is quoted before or after deductions. We found no sourced Green Bay rates and give none.
Selling through ScrapTrade
For a large, sorted lot, ScrapTrade is worth a look: no cost to list, no commission, chat negotiation with verified overseas and local buyers, and a 5% buyer deposit in escrow after acceptance. Individuals and companies can both register. Interest in Green Bay lots is untested as far as we know. Listings are visible on the marketplace page.
What we could not verify
- The current statute text and any dollar thresholds.
- Whether the law restricts how a dealer pays you. A compliance guide lists payment restrictions by state, but we could not read Wisconsin's entry.
- No Green Bay prices are given, as none could be sourced.
- Any Green Bay or Brown County permit rules.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to sign anything to sell copper in Wisconsin?
According to the statute summary, nonferrous scrap and metal articles require the seller's signed declaration of ownership.
Can police check a yard's records?
Yes, during business hours at the dealer's premises, per the summary we read.
Is cash banned in Wisconsin?
We could not confirm a payment restriction from the sources we read.
Sources
- Wisconsin Statutes, section 134.405, and 2007 Act 64 and 2011 Act 194 amendment text, as summarised in search results (docs.legis.wisconsin.gov).
- Recycling Today, scrap theft compliance guide, as listed in search results.
General information only, not legal advice. Check section 134.405 on the Wisconsin Legislature's site for the current text.