New law targets metal sales

A state law that takes effect next week will make it illegal to transport, sell or buy scrap metal without a permit.

"Copper thefts have plagued the state of South Carolina and all other states for a long time," Charleston County Sheriff Al Cannon said as he announced the new requirements.

"I am hopeful this will put some pressure on, and help us to identify, the bigger players," he said.

Under the new law, scrap metal sellers and recyclers must have permits from their local sheriff to legally sell or buy copper, aluminum and catalytic converters. For sellers, it also will be illegal to transport the metal without the permit.

To buy, metal recyclers must make a copy of a seller's permit. They also must record information on each sale, including the seller's photograph and license plate number, the date and amount paid, and a description of the metal.

The law also bars cash for copper as well as for catalytic converters, which are increasingly stolen for the metals inside. Payments must be by check, providing further record of the transaction.

Cannon said the S.C. Sheriffs' Association worked with legislators and metal recyclers to come up with a bill that would be effective. Many of the requirements placed upon the metal recyclers are similar to those now in place for pawn shop operators, Cannon said.

Most of the state's 46 sheriffs, including Cannon, already are issuing permits for scrap copper sales to gear up for the law that takes effect Wednesday, said state Sheriff's Association Director Jeff Moore.

The legislation was signed into law by Gov. Nikki Haley on June 17 and it provides for three types of permits, two for the public and one for metal recyclers.

For the person who occasionally has to transport scrap metal, a 48-hour temporary permit can be obtained by calling the Sheriff's Office.

For those who plan on transporting and selling copper or other nonferrous metals over a period of a year, a one-year permit is available by going to the Sheriff's Office in the county of residence.

There is no fee for either of those permits.

Metal recyclers, those who buy scrap metal, must obtain a $200 buyer's permit. They are to be renewed every two years.

The law also requires that purchasers operate from a fixed location, and that they refuse to buy copper, catalytic converters or other nonferrous metals from anyone who does not display a permit to transport and sell the metal.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. Reach David W. MacDougall at 937-5655.