When used in this Act:
"Catalytic converter" means a post-combustion device that oxidizes hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide gases or reduces oxides of nitrogen and that is designed or intended for use as part of an emission control system. As used in this Section, "catalytic converter" includes nonferrous parts, including rhodium, platinum, and palladium.
"Detached catalytic converter" means a catalytic converter that was previously installed on a motor vehicle and subsequently removed.
"Recyclable metal" means any copper, brass, or aluminum, or any combination of those metals, or any catalytic converter or its contents purchased by a recyclable metal dealer, irrespective of form or quantity, except that "recyclable metal" does not include: (i) items designed to contain, or to be used in the preparation of, beverages or food for human consumption; (ii) discarded items of non-commercial or household waste; (iii) gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals used in jewelry; or (iv) vehicles, junk vehicles, vehicle cowls, or essential vehicle parts.
"Recyclable metal dealer" means any individual, firm, corporation or partnership conducting activity within the boundaries of the State of Illinois and engaged in the business of purchasing and reselling recyclable metal either at a permanently established place of business or in connection with a business of an itinerant nature, including junk shops, junk yards, or junk stores, except that "recyclable metal dealer" does not include automotive parts recyclers, scrap processors, repairers and rebuilders licensed pursuant to Section 5-301 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. Recyclable metal dealers shall not be engaged in the business of purchasing or reselling vehicles, junk vehicles, vehicle cowls, or essential vehicle parts.
815 ILCS 325/2