Camden delays action on new rules for scrap-metal dealers

The amendments also include proposals that anyone who wants to sell scrap metal be required to provide a driver's license, vehicle tags, and registration; that dealers could not accept metal imprinted with codes or registration information, often a sign that the metal has been stolen from a light post or other installation; and that dealers be required to give the city monthly lists of every item they purchased and its source.

"We already do all of that," said Tod Kendzierski, owner of KBI Recycling in Camden.

But Kendzierski and other dealers oppose the proposed change to mandatory payment by check.

"It's hand-to-mouth in this business. People need the cash," said Tom Fannelle of R. Fannelle's Sons.

If the Camden businesses cannot pay cash, sellers will go to Pennsauken or cross the bridge to Philadelphia, Fannelle said.

"Checks would make my life a lot easier," he said, but unless it's a federal law, he said, he opposes it because he wants Camden scrap-metal dealers to remain competitive.

Some of the dealers will meet with city officials next Wednesday to negotiate changes to the code.

Contact staff writer Claudia Vargas at 856-779-3917, cvargas@phillynews.com, or @InqCVargas on Twitter.