On June 20, 2011 the copper theft prevention bill was signed into law. It’s a bill that will go into effect August 16, 2011 and has put new requirements on anyone who wants to sell copper or other non-ferrous metals to a recycler to include catalytic converters.

Sheriff Lott states that it’s probably the number one crime that we have here in Richland County, it impacts everybody’s lives. Richland County Sheriff’s Deputies respond to numerous calls in reference to copper theft. Sheriff Leon Lott stated that this crime was such a big issue that we created a special unit at the Sheriff’s Department dedicated to handling the high volume of calls to help reduce and capture these criminals. Sheriff Lott stated that the damage these thieves do to the air conditioning units costs thousands of dollars and the criminals only reap a few dollars for this dastardly act.

Sheriff Lott states that this new law prohibits recycling businesses that buy non-ferrous metals from paying cash; this is a deterrent that will keep thieves from being able to turn non-ferrous metals into quick cash.

This new law requires anyone who sells non-ferrous metals to obtain a 48 Hour Permit or an Annual Permit for FREE at the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

48 Hour Permits – May be obtain anytime by calling 803-576-3000, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department Desk Sergeant. Only two can be obtained during a twelve month period. When calling to obtain a permit, the caller must provide their South Carolina Driver’s License or ID number and their name. If you’re from another State, you must provide your state’s ID number or Military ID. Callers must also give the tag number of the vehicle they will use to transport the metals. The callers Drivers License or ID number will be used as the permit number and entered into a database by the call taker.

Annual Permits – May be obtained Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm by appearing in the front lobby of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department at 5623 Two Notch Road. Applicants will fill out the provided form for the annual permit. Anyone applying for a permit must provide a name, a valid South Carolina Driver’s License or ID and tag number for the vehicle you will be using to transport the non-ferrous metal. Out of state applicants must provide a copy of their state issued identifications. Note: This 48 Hour and annual permit applies to residents of Richland County. Applicants from other counties must acquire a permit from their county or residence to sell and transport non-ferrous metals.

Permit Verification – Secondary recyclers will be able to verify permits issued in Richland County by accessing www.scmetals.info and clicking on the Recyclers Tab. Permit numbers in Richland County will be issued by state issued identification numbers. Secondary Recyclers will be able to check 48 hour permits as well as annual permits using this website.

Non-ferrous metal (defined) – These are metals which do not contain any iron. They are not magnetic and are usually more resistant to corrosion than ferrous metals. Commonly used examples are aluminum, copper, lead, zinc, and tin.