By Jesse Jones, The Paper. — Burqueños whose catalytic converters get stolen or whose streetlights go dark because of stripped copper wiring have a new tool aimed at fighting the market for stolen metal after the City Council voted 8-1 Monday night to toughen the city’s recycling laws.
The council approved the Sale of Recycled Metals Ordinance, sponsored by Councilors Renée Grout and Tammy Fiebelkorn, who proposed the measure in May after copper thieves stripped streetlight wiring along East Central Avenue. The measure renames the 2022 Secondhand Catalytic Converter Purchase Ordinance and expands it to cover copper and brass alongside catalytic converters. Recycled metal dealers must keep purchase records, hold most materials for seven days before resale and pay by check, not cash, for purchases over $50. Dealers also cannot split transactions to avoid the payment threshold. Verified commercial sellers, such as licensed recyclers, contractors and public utilities, are exempt from the seven-day waiting period. Catalytic converters remain subject to a 15-day holding period.
Councilor Dan Lewis cast the lone no vote, questioning Albuquerque Police Department officials about evidence linking the city’s five secondhand metal dealers to stolen goods. Lewis said the ordinance duplicates state law and burdens legitimate businesses. An APD commander said the changes give investigators better tools to trace stolen metal and deter theft. Mayor Tim Keller also backed the measure, saying it closes a loophole that made it easier for thieves to profit.
Purchases of copper and brass will not require electronic reporting to the police, according to City Attorney Lauren Keefe. However, dealers must continue reporting catalytic converter purchases through APD’s LeadsOnline system by noon the next business day. The ordinance also allows dealers to use continuous video recording instead of photographing sellers and materials, while APD’s Property Unit retains inspection access during business hours.