Local Media Framing of Scrap Metal Collection as Crime

The presence of discarded metals in the back alleys of cities is a ubiquitous feature of contemporary urban life. To many, this metal is waste to be forgotten. To some, it is the basis of scrounging to survive. Based on a qualitative content analysis of news reports, we reflect on media framing of scrap metal collection in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Our analysis reveals that news media adopt a crime frame to depict metal collecting that emphasizes dangerousness and destruction of culture and history, while individualizing the actions of collectors and ignoring questions of urban poverty, racism and other contextual factors linked to crime. We contrast media representations with data from interviews with local scrappers and observations of the scrap metal industry in Winnipeg to illustrate what is absent in this media framing. We also reflect on the conundrums apparent with proposed metal crime regulations.