YORK COUNTY, SC – The York County Sheriff’s Office Code Enforcement Unit is making the scrap metal permit easier. Beginning January 1, 2021 citizens in need of a permit to recycle non-ferrous metals can apply for a permit online at www.yorkcountysheriff.com.
In the past in order to obtain a scrap metal recycling permit one would need to come to the Sheriff’s office only two days a week between 8:00 A.M. and 12:00 P.M. Now, a metal recycler can fill out an application online any time, and pick up the approved permit at a later date when notified.
The permitting process begins by filling out all the same appropriate information needed for a permit via an online form. A criminal history review will be performed. The permit will be issued or denied based on this review. Once approved, the applicant will be contacted by phone or email for when they can pick up their metal recycling permit at the York County Sheriff District 3 office in Rock Hill.
On average the York County Sheriff’s Office processes 20 metal permits every week. The permits allow metal recyclers to transport and sell nonferrous metals for a period of two years in accordance to with the provisions of Chapter 16 title 17 section 680 in the South Carolina code of laws.
Since 2018 the Sheriff’s Office has investigated 117 metal thefts in York County. In 2018 there were no catalytic converter theft investigations in York County, yet in 2019 and 2020, 192 catalytic converters have been reported stolen. Recently on November 18, 2020 detectives charged three people for unlawful transporting and possession of nonferrous metals for having more than 20 catalytic converters.
The new metal recycling permit application process will not begin until January 1, 2021. Until then scrap metal recycling permits will be issued at the YCSO District 3 Office on Monday & Tuesday from 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.