Nonferrous Metal Permit

S. C. State Law (16-17-680) requires an individual to have a permit in order to transport or sell any amount of nonferrous metal. Nonferrous metals are metals not containing significant quantities of iron or steel. They include copper wire, copper clad steel wire, copper pipe, copper bars, copper sheeting and aluminum; a product that is a mixture of aluminum and copper; catalytic converters; and stainless steel beer kegs or containers.

To obtain a permit, free of charge, appear in person at the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, located at 2811 Old Belleville Road, St. Matthews, SC 29135. Permits are issued Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. No appointment is needed. 

Permits are valid for two years.

An application may be downloaded here, completed and brought with you to the Sheriff's Office along with one of the following: Valid Driver's License or state-issued ID. (The address on the form must be the same as the one on the driver's license.)

Please note the following regarding Nonferrous Metal Permits: 

• Permits for Calhoun County residents are issued only at the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office
• Permits are non-transferable (it cannot be transferred between people)
• Permits are issued by the Sheriff's Office in the county in which the individual resides

No permit is required to recycle aluminum cans.

Secondary Nonferrous Metal Permit

A Secondary Metals Recycler Application for Permit to Purchase Nonferrous Metals can be downloaded here. Complete the application and return it to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office along with cash or money order in the amount of $200 made out to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. Also include a copy of your Calhoun County Business License and Federal Tax ID #.