Secondary Metals Recycler Information

Secondary metals recyclers who purchase regulated metal property in any quantity must register with the appropriate sheriff's office(s). Review the registration information and requirements below.

Registration Information

Under Georgia law, a secondary metals recycler may not purchase regulated metal property without registering as required by O.C.G.A. § 10-1-359.1. Businesses generally register with the sheriff of each county where they maintain a place of business. Individuals register according to the requirements established by Georgia law.

Registrations operate on a calendar-year basis and must be renewed annually by January 1. The Sheriff's Office maintains registration records and enters registration information into the statewide database.

Registration Requirements

  • Submit the registration form and any required supporting documents.
  • Provide a current and valid business license when applicable.
  • A registered agent registering for the first time may be required to complete a criminal background check and fingerprinting, with costs paid by the secondary metals recycler as provided by law.
  • Provide the current database-contractor customer identification number when required.
  • Pay the Gordon County Sheriff's Office $200.00 non-refundable registration fee before registration is considered.
  • All checks returned for insufficient funds will be assessed a $30.00 charge.

Transaction Reporting

Secondary metals recyclers must collect and retain the information required by Georgia law and submit required purchase-transaction information electronically to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation or its designated database provider. Under the applicable database rules, transaction information is generally uploaded within 48 hours of the purchase transaction.

The GBI currently identifies LeadsOnline as the outside contractor that assists secondary metals recyclers with registration and transaction reporting.

Catalytic Converters and Regulated Materials

Georgia law includes additional restrictions for used, detached catalytic converters and certain other regulated materials. A person may not purchase, possess, transport, or sell a used, detached catalytic converter unless the person is authorized and has the documentation required by law.

Cash-payment restrictions also apply. Current law limits cash payments and prohibits cash payments for certain materials, including used, detached catalytic converters, coils, used utility wire, used communications copper, copper wire, and batteries. Recyclers should review the current statute before completing a transaction.

Applicable Laws and Additional Information

The primary requirements are found in Title 10, Chapter 1, Article 14 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, including O.C.G.A. §§ 10-1-350 through 10-1-359.5. Other laws may apply to vehicle titles, records, and specific materials.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation: Secondary Metals Recycling information

LeadsOnline: registration and transaction-reporting assistance

Recyclers may also consult the Georgia Recyclers Association for industry guidance. External guidance may not reflect the most recent law, so recyclers should confirm current requirements with the Sheriff's Office, GBI, or legal counsel.

Registration contact
2700 Highway 41 North, Calhoun, Georgia 30701
Phone: 706-629-1245