Minding metals.COLUMN: IN OUR OPINION; EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE Text that appears at the bottom of a page that adds explanation. It is often used to give credit to the source of information. When accumulated and printed at the end of a document, they are called "endnotes." Development, particularly in Asia, has been driving up the price of scrap metal, leading businesses and individuals to save and recycle re·cy·cle tr.v. re·cy·cled, re·cy·cling, re·cy·cles 1. To put or pass through a cycle again, as for further treatment. 2. To start a different cycle in. 3. a. , but also triggering an epidemic of theft. Copper pipes and wiring, catalytic converters catalytic converter: see internal-combustion engine. catalytic converter In automobiles, a component of emission control systems used to reduce the discharge of noxious gases from the internal-combustion engine. , radiators, guardrails, cemetery markers and even steel manhole covers have been snatched up by unscrupulous hands and carted to the scrap metal dealer in hopes of a quick profit. Whether it's historical railings from the Longfellow Bridge The Longfellow Bridge, also known to locals as the "Salt and Pepper Bridge" or the "Salt and Pepper Shaker Bridge", carries Route 3 and the MBTA's Red Line across the Charles River to connect Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood with the Kendall Square area of Cambridge, Massachusetts. or entire sections of aluminum bleachers from the Spencer Fair, the lust for recyclable metals seems to know no bounds. As recently as 2002, iron and steel scrap was selling for about $100 a ton. Today, dealers can obtain around $600 per ton. More must be done to stem such thefts, but the creation of an expensive, intrusive statewide registry is unwarranted. The proposal, by state Sen. James E. Timilty, would require dealers to record the name, address, date of birth, photo and other information about each seller and enter it into an online registry available only to police. Such a registry might catch a few bad guys who can't find a dealer willing to buy ill-gotten scrap under the counter, but at enormous cost, beginning with an estimated $1 million in state funds to set up the registry. Sellers and dealers who refuse to play by the rules will always find a way around the system. Moreover, an online registry raises the risk of unauthorized release of private information that could lead to identity theft or other economic loss. In many states, dealers already adhere to adhere to verb 1. follow, keep, maintain, respect, observe, be true, fulfil, obey, heed, keep to, abide by, be loyal, mind, be constant, be faithful 2. industry guidelines guidelines, n.pl a set of standards, criteria, or specifications to be used or followed in the performance of certain tasks. : Sellers of scrap metal must show identification and, if there is any doubt about particular items, they must present proof that they are the rightful owners. Such self-policing is in the business owner's interest and should help curb illegal trade. Law enforcement already has the authority and investigatory tools it needs to prosecute illegal activity in the scrap business. The state need not overreact o·ver·re·act v. To react with unnecessary or inappropriate force, emotional display, or violence. by creating an online registry, particularly given the bite it is likely to take from another precious metal: the stuff taxpayers keep in their pockets. |
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