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HomeBusiness and Professions CodeDiv. 8Ch. 9Art. 3§ 21604 Junk Dealer Exemptions

§ 21604 Junk Dealer Exemptions

Business and Professions Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 21604 Junk Dealer Exemptions

Key Takeaways

  • •This law doesn't apply to people who buy or sell junk as part of a business that isn't just about junk dealing or recycling.
  • •If a junk dealer or recycler pays for scrap metal with a check made out to the company that owns the scrap, this law usually doesn't apply.
  • •If a junk dealer buys scrap from another junk dealer who followed all the rules (like recording and reporting), they don’t have to follow those rules again, but the seller is responsible if they didn’t follow them.

Example

A construction company sells old metal pipes to a junk dealer.

If the junk dealer pays the construction company with a check made out to the company’s name, this law doesn’t apply to that sale.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 21604 Junk Dealer Exemptions

Except as otherwise provided in this article, this article does not apply to: (a) Any person who buys or sells junk acquired in the conduct of any business other than that of a junk dealer or recycler. (b) Except as provided in Section 21609.1, those purchases of scrap metal by a junk dealer or recycler when the payment for the scrap metal is by check issued to the company represented as being the owner of the scrap. (c) Scrap metal purchased or received from another junk dealer or recycler who has recorded, reported, and held the material as required. The purchase or receipt shall also be exempt from further holding or reporting provided that the selling party gives the buyer written assurance of this fact. The seller shall be held responsible for any failure to report or hold. (Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 656, Sec. 2. (SB 1387) Effective January 1, 2013.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

junk dealerrecyclerscrap metalwritten assurance

Related Statutes

  • § 21605 Junk Dealer Recordkeeping Requirements
  • § 21606 Junk Dealer Purchase Records
  • § 21606.5 Junk Dealer Inspection Requirements
  • § 21607 Junk Dealer Record Retention
  • § 21608 Junk Dealer Recordkeeping Penalties

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Business and Professions Code. Section 21604.
View Official Source