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HomeBusiness and Professions CodeDiv. 8Ch. 9Art. 3§ 21600 Junk Metal Definition

§ 21600 Junk Metal Definition

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

§ 21600 Junk Metal Definition

Key Takeaways

  • •Junk means old or used stuff like metal, furniture, or pallets, but not animals or parts of animals.
  • •Scrap metals include things like old construction materials, farm equipment, or train parts, but not soda cans or regular trash.
  • •This law tells us what counts as 'junk' and 'scrap metal' when talking about selling these things.

Example

You have an old bike, some broken metal pipes, and a bunch of empty soda cans.

The old bike and metal pipes are 'junk' or 'scrap metal' under this law, but the soda cans are not. If you sell the bike or pipes, this law applies. The soda cans follow different rules.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 21600 Junk Metal Definition

As used in this article, “junk” means any and all secondhand and used machinery and all ferrous and nonferrous scrap metals and alloys, including any and all secondhand and used furniture, pallets, or other personal property, other than livestock, or parts or portions thereof. As used in this section, “scrap metals and alloys” includes, but is not limited to, materials and equipment commonly used in construction, agricultural operations and electrical power generation, railroad equipment, oil well rigs, nonferrous materials, stainless steel, and nickel which are offered for sale to any junk dealer or recycler, but does not include scrap iron, household generated waste, or aluminum beverage containers, as defined in Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 14502) of Division 12.1 of the Public Resources Code. (Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 60, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2002.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

junkscrap metals and alloyssecondhand machineryferrous and nonferrous scrap metalsused furniturepalletspersonal propertylivestockconstructionagricultural operationselectrical power generationrailroad equipmentoil well rigsnonferrous materialsstainless steelnickelscrap ironhousehold generated wastealuminum beverage containers

Related Statutes

  • § 21602 Junk Yard Definition
  • § 21605 Junk Dealer Recordkeeping Requirements
  • § 7042 Public Utility Exemption
  • § 7042.5 Public Utility Exemptions
  • § 7043 Petroleum And Gas Exemptions

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Business and Professions Code. Section 21600.
View Official Source