Secondary Metals Recycling

Secondary metals recyclers in Burke County who purchase regulated metal property in any quantity are required to register with the Sheriff’s Office under Georgia Law OCGA 10-1-360. Any person who fails to register annually may be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.

A secondary metals recycler is any person who purchases secondary metals property which has served its original purpose. Therefore, this applies to the "metal recyclers" who purchase secondary metals, as well as individuals/businesses who buy old vehicles and other scrap metal from individuals or businesses. The law states specifically:

"Secondary metals recycler" means any person who is engaged, from a fixed location or otherwise, in the business in this state of paying compensation for regulated metal property that has served its original economic purpose, whether or not engaged in the business of performing the manufacturing process by which regulated metal property is converted into raw material products consisting of prepared grades and having an existing or potential economic value."

The Sheriff's Office is required to register secondary metals recyclers doing business in the county annually, keep a record of each registration, and enter the registration information into a statewide database searchable by all law enforcement agencies.

The statutes that pertain to secondary metals recyclers are: OCGA 10-1-350 through OCGA 10-3-363, OCGA 40-3-36 and OCGA 40-3-56. Recyclers must be familiar with these statutes. Recyclers may visit the Georgia Recyclers Association website to review a summary of relevant laws at www.georgiarecyclers.org .

Registrations may not be considered without full payment of the $200 non-refundable registration fee. All checks returned for insufficient funds will be assessed a $30 charge.

Identification must be presented at the time of registration.