South Carolina Scrap Metal Laws

Payment Restrictions:

Fingerprinting:

Video Recording:

Tag and Hold:

License Scanning:

Vehicle Descriptions:

Taking Photographs of Materials:

Taking Photographs of Customers Faces:

Notify Law Enforcement:

NMVTIS Reporting:

Legal Mandates

Updated January 2014

State Requirements

In order to sell scrap metal, sellers will be required to:

         ·            Present and allow a photocopy of a driver's license, military ID or state ID card;

         ·            Sign a statement indicating that they are the owner of or are authorized to sell the metal;

         ·            Sign a statement that they have not been convicted of metal theft;

         ·            Provide a thumbprint to be kept on file.

         ·            Effective Aug. 8, 2011, All person transporting and/or selling non-ferrous metals must obtain a permit from the local Sheriff’s Office and must present that permit before any transactions can occur.  (See Permit Law at bottom of page)

Buyer’s must:

• Record vehicle license plate number of sellers vehicle used to transport scrap
• Keep a record of sellers name, address, phone number and date of sale
• Keep a photograph or video which includes images of the seller and the material being sold (to be kept on file for 2 years)
• All sales tickets must have date and time of the sale, as well as the name of the clerk completing the sale.
  • Must also show the weight, quantity and/or volume of the material
  • Sales tickets must show dollar amount paid to seller.
  • Sales tickets must be signed by the seller.  Seller will receive a copy of the receipt and buyer will retain a copy.

         ·            Buyer must report purchased vehicle information to NMVTIS

         ·            Tag and hold policies are in effect (for a minimum of 15 days).

NOTE:  Please be aware of your local ordinances.  Many cities and counties have additional ordinances that may not be listed here.

Keep records, certifications, registrations, etc. on site for 2 years.

Scrap recyclers must maintain a record of all purchases for a minimum of two years and is subject to inspection by any law enforcement at any time. There is a 15-day tag-and-hold policy when notified by law enforcement to do so.

It is illegal to purchase the following materials: manhole covers, brass plumbing fittings or valves, water meters, aluminum guard rails, aluminum ramps, beer kegs, or catalytic converters unless the seller is licensed to sell such items.

Payment for sale can be made by cash or check payable after a waiting period of 3 days.  If check is to be mailed to the seller’s home, the check must be made payable to the seller and mailed to the address on their driver’s license or state ID (unless a utility bill showing a new address can be produced).  No PO Box address may be used.

Links to Other Important Information for South Carolina Salvage/Recycling

Auto-Parts Salvage/Recycling

·         Tires – http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/lwm/regs/R61-107_3.pdf

·         State EPA on scrap - http://www.scdhec.gov/administration/library/OR-0639.pdf

·         State laws on scrap yards - http://www.scstatehouse.gov/query.php?search=DOC&searchtext=scrap%20metal&category=LEGISLATION&session=119&conid=6900226&result_pos=&keyval=1190672&numrows=10

o    Permit law 2011: http://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess119_2011-2012/bills/3660.htm

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