METAL PERMITS

Notice:
All permits require a criminal background check of the applicant.

There is a 48-hour turnaround for nonferrous permits and up to 30 days for precious metal permit approvals.

METAL RECYCLING PERMITS

Nonferrous Metals Recycling Permit

S. C. State Law (16-11-523) requires an individual to have a permit in order to transport or sell any amount of nonferrous metal. Nonferrous metals are metals not containing significant quantities of iron or steel. They include copper wire, copper-clad steel wire, copper pipe, copper bars, copper sheeting, and aluminum; a product that is a mixture of aluminum and copper; catalytic converters; and stainless steel beer kegs or containers.

To obtain a permit, free of charge, appear in person at the Anderson County Sheriff's Office, located at 305 Camson Rd., Anderson, SC 29625. Permits will be issued Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. No appointment is needed. The office is closed on county holidays. Change to: A permit is valid for 2 years if issued during your birthday month; however, if issued during any other month, it will expire on your birthday in the 2nd year of eligibility.. A re-issue fee of $10 is required for lost permits.

An application may be downloaded here, completed, and brought with you to the Sheriff's Office along with one of the following: Valid (non-expired) Driver's License or state-issued ID. (Address on the application form must be the same as on the applicant's driver's license.)

In accordance with SC State Law, effective December 18, 2012, 48-hour permits will no longer be issued.

Please note the following regarding Nonferrous Metal Permits:

• Applicants must be residents of Anderson County, SC; however, a permit is valid across the State of South Carolina, so long as it is issued in the County where you reside.
• Permits for Anderson County residents are issued only at the Anderson County Sheriff's Office, located at 305 Camson Rd., Anderson, SC 29625
• Permits are non-transferable - meaning, they cannot be transferred to other people.

No permit is required to recycle aluminum cans.

Secondary Metals Recycling Permits

A Secondary Metals Recycler Application for a Permit to Purchase Nonferrous Metals can be downloaded here. Complete the application and return it to the Records Unit of the Anderson County Sheriff's Office along with a check or money order in the amount of $200 made out to the Anderson County Sheriff's Office. Also, please include a copy of any existing SMR permits (if not a South Carolina business) and a copy of your valid business license.

Please note: It may take up to 30 days to process your application.

You may contact the Records Unit at (864) 260-4415 if you have questions.

Anderson County Sheriff's Office

Records Unit
305 Camson Rd.
Anderson, SC 29625
Office: (864) 260-4415
E-mail: records@andersonsheriff.com

SC Catalytic Converter Purchasing Requirements for Secondary Metals Recyclers

NO NONFERROUS METALS, INCLUDING COPPER, MAY BE PURCHASED BY A SECONDARY METALS RECYCLER FROM A SELLER UNLESS THE SELLER IS A HOLDER OF A RETAIL LICENSE, AN AUTHORIZED WHOLESALER, A CONTRACTOR LICENSED PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 11, TITLE 40, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, A GAS, ELECTRIC, COMMUNICATIONS, WATER, PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL, OR CLIMATE CONDITIONING SERVICE PROVIDER, OR THE SELLER PRESENTS THE SELLER'S VALID PERMIT TO TRANSPORT AND SELL NONFERROUS METALS ISSUED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 16-17-680, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976.

Additional information on the purchasing requirements for catalytic converters can be downloaded here.

Notice:

All permits require a criminal background check of the applicant.

There is a 48-hour turnaround for non-ferrous permits and up to 30 days for approval of precious metal permits.

Dealers in Precious Metal Permits

No person, corporation, or partnership who buys precious metals from the general public, whether in bulk or in manufactured form, with an intent to obtain a monetary profit for himself or for a principal, shall operate in the State of South Carolina unless he first obtains a permit to engage in the business of purchasing precious metals from a local law enforcement agency and operates only from a permanent place of business. No dealer shall operate on public property from a vehicle, flea market, hotel room, or similar temporary location. The application should be typewritten or clearly printed in ink. All questions must be answered. If the space provided is insufficient, attach sheets of the same size to the application and number answers to correspond to questions.

The Precious Metal Permit application can be downloaded here. Complete the application and return it to the Investigations Division of the Anderson County Sheriff's Office along with a check or money order in the amount of $50 made out to the Anderson County Treasurer. Also, include a copy of your lease or deed to establish the permanency of your business.

Please note that your Precious Metal Permit must be renewed yearly and posted at your permanent place of business.

You may contact the Precious Metals Compliance Coordinator at (864) 260-4435 for questions pertaining to the Precious Metal Permit Application.