Wiege-Manipulation und Ticket-Betrug

Definition

Australian recycling facilities buy scrap metals and other recyclables by weight, typically using a weighbridge or platform scale to determine the payable tonnes.[2][3] Commercial contracts and state trade measurement laws require accurate measurement as the basis for payment. Where the weighing process is manual (operator typing weights, handwritten tickets, manual re‑keying into ERP), multiple fraud and abuse patterns are documented in global scrap‑recycling practice: drivers colluding with scale operators to short‑weigh inbound loads in exchange for kickbacks; ghost loads created in the ticketing system without physical material; and duplicate or altered tickets for the same load. Even small systematic under‑recording of 1–2 % on inbound ferrous and non‑ferrous scrap can create large losses given the Australian metals recycling market value of about AUD 4.5 billion in 2024.[2] At a yard turning over AUD 20 million per year, a 2 % weighbridge leakage equates to around AUD 400,000 per annum in lost margin or overpayments. Because fraud is difficult to detect when records are paper‑based and scale consoles are not access‑controlled or logged, these losses can persist for years until a forensic audit or investigation is triggered.

Why This Matters

The Pitch: Wholesale recyclers in Australia 🇦🇺 handling mixed metals and plastics risk 1–3 % revenue loss on inbound loads due to weighbridge manipulation and ticket fraud. Automation of scale capture, user access control and audit trails eliminates most of this leakage.

Affected Stakeholders

Weighbridge operators, Yard managers, Finance managers, Internal auditors, Traders / buyers, Truck drivers and transport contractors

Related Business Risks