Scrap Sellers React To Cincinnati's Strict New Law

For the past six years, John McIntosh said he's worked hard to put food on the table and money in his pocket.

"The only way I can make a living, I don't have a job. I can't find a job got laid off from DHL," said McIntosh.

He said he finds scrap metal legally and is offended if people think he stole it.

"Yes, I feel offended because I'm not a thief, I never stole anything," he said.

McIntosh is one of dozens of critics around the city who believe Cincinnati's new scrap metal ordinance won't work. He said sellers will just go to nearby cities.

"Probably go to Newport, across the river in Kentucky. (I) hope they change the ordinance, it won't work at all," he said.

Cincinnati council members voted 6-3 to require sellers like McIntosh to have a license if they want to sell scrap metal.

A license can cost as little as $25 (if you sell up to $10,000 in scrap metal) but if you sell more than $25,000 in scrap metal, that license will cost you $400, reported ONN's Lot Tan.

The ordinance also requires sellers to have a permanent address, and they will be paid by check instead of cash.

"You're not going to walk up and think you'll get that quick $20 or $30 so you can buy your crack; not going to happen anymore," said council member Cecil Thomas.

The new law is council member Thomas' idea. He's tired of hearing stories about thieves stealing scrap metal. 

One of those accused thieves is Alan Smith who was in court Wednesday for allegedly stealing 17 urns, three contained ashes.

"Makes me sick to my stomach to see someone stoop that low then scrap yards take those items in," said Thomas.

Dave Holbrook with Garden Street Iron and Metal warns the new ordinance will shut down small scrap yards and put several people out of work, but Thomas denies that will happen.

"Less than five percent of operation, not going to put them out of business, slow tide of individuals breaking into homes," he said.

Scrap yard workers said their attorneys may file an injunction against the ordinance.

Officials said attorneys for scrap yards have 30 days to file a legal challenge, if they don't, the ordinance will then become law.