Important Information About Non-Ferrous Scrap Metal Recycling

    Important Information about the Scrap Metal Recycling Law (Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5312 & amendment on catalytic converters Substitute House Bill 2858)

    • Each time you bring a load of non-ferrous scrap metal to Earthworks for recycling, you must have government issued photo id. This includes a current (not expired) driver's license, identification card or passport.  Check the status of your driver's license or ID to see if it is valid at https://fortress.wa.gov/dol/dolprod/dsddriverstatusdisplay/.

    • Anyone selling non-ferrous scrap must be at least 18 years of age.

    • For each transaction we will also record your current street address and phone number and obtain your signature swearing that the metals you are selling are not stolen.

    • We will be grading all of your metals for purchase or none at all. After it has been weighed we are not able to give partial loads back so that you may be paid in cash.

    • If the total value of the metals you bring in equals $30 or more we will mail you a check 10 days after the date the metals are delivered. This rule doesn't always apply to business customers.

    • If the total value of the metals your bring in is less than $30 you will be paid cash. You will not be paid cash more than once per day.

    • We are not able to purchase wire that has been burnt unless you have proof of a "legal burn."

    • We are not able to buy kegs except from breweries or keg manufacturers.

    • We are not able to buy irrigation wheels, pipes, or sprinkler heads unless you are associated with a business or can provide written documentation that you are the legal owner of the property.


    Exceptions for Business Customers

    If your business handles non-ferrous scrap metals and brings them in for recycling, we are able to pay you cash after the appropriate paperwork is on file.

    We have a form for business customers which must be filled out by the business owner. The form requires general company information and must be accompanied by a copy of your business license, either presented in person or faxed to us. We also must keep a record of all employees that are authorized to deliver scrap metals on the company's behalf, as well as their vehicle description and vehicle license plate number.

    After this paperwork is on file, we are able to pay cash to any employee on file for the company. The person selling the metal must bring a valid government issued picture ID and sign our form saying that the metals are not stolen.

    You can download a copy of our Record for Commercial Account form and bring it with you the next time you bring in recyclables.


    If you do not currently have a business license and you are interested in obtaining one, you can visit this website to find out how to get started: http://access.wa.gov/business/start.aspx. You may also contact the City of Spokane with this number: (509) 625-6070.



    Frequently Asked Questions About SB5312




    Are aluminum cans included in the $30 limit for scrap metal?

    No, aluminum cans are not included in calculating the $30 limit for scrap metal recycling. You will always be paid cash for aluminum cans. Return to Top



    How can I recycle burnt wire?

    We are unable to recycle wire that has been burnt, unless you are able to show proof that it was legally burned. An example of a legal burn would be wire that was burnt during a house fire, with proof from the fire department. Return to Top



    Who can I contact to voice my concerns about the new law?

    If you're unhappy about the new non-ferrous scrap metal recycling law (SB 5312), call your senator or one of your representatives, and let them know! This law passed unanimously.

    Most City of Spokane residents are represented by District 3
    Senator Lisa Brown — (509) 456-2760
    Representative Allen Wood — (509) 568-3065
    Representative Timm Ormsby — (509) 458-2122


    Other local districts:
    District 6 (Fairwood, Country Homes, South Hill)
    Senator Chris Marr — (509) 456-2450
    Representative Don Barlow — (509) 458-2124
    Representative Don Ahern — (360) 786-7962


    District 4 (Spokane Valley, Mount Spokane)
    Senator Bob McCaslin — (360) 786-7606
    Representative Larry Crouse — (360) 786-7820
    Representative Lynn Schindler — (360) 786-7984


    If you’re unsure of your district, visit: http://www.leg.wa.gov/

    Thanks for your support! Return to Top


    Can I recycle a keg?

    We are unable to accept kegs for recycling except from breweries or keg manufacturers. Return to Top



    How do I recycle irrigation wheels, pipes or sprinklers?

    We are not able to buy irrigation wheels, pipes, or sprinkler heads unless you are associated with a business or can provide written documentation that you are the legal owner of the property. Return to Top



    Are there any exceptions for business customers?

    Please see our section about business customers above. Return to Top



    Can you pay me $30 and mail the rest in a check?

    No. The law states that if the transaction is over $30 that the full amount must be paid by check, mailed 10 days after the date you bring the material to Earthworks. Return to Top



    How long do I have to wait for the check?

    We mail checks out on a daily basis, your check cannot be mailed any fewer than 10 days after you bring the material to Earthworks.Return to Top



    Can I take items back so that I'm selling under $30 of material?

    Once your material has been weighed we must purchase your entire load, or none at all. We are unable to give back partial loads in order to make sure you will be paid cash. Return to Top