Secondary Metals Recyclers

Changes made by SB 60 – 2023

Secondary Metals Recyclers

During the 2023 Georgia Legislative Session, SB 60 by Sen. Bo Hatchett (R – Cornelia) was passed into law and signed by the Governor. The new law addresses three key policy areas for secondary metals recyclers. It makes improvements on catalytic converter theft, allows for limited cash payments, and enhances the secondary metals recycler registration process.

This legislation makes improvements to Georgia law relating to the purchase, possession, and sale of used and detached catalytic converters (O.C.G.A 10-1-351).

In addition, under the new law secondary metal recyclers will now be able to pay up to $100.00 in cash for certain transactions starting on January 1, 2024, limited to two transactions per day, per person, per registered location (O.C.G.A 10-1-355). Secondary metals recyclers may not pay cash for any used detached catalytic converter or coils, used utility wire, used communications copper, copper wire, or a battery.

The new law also makes changes to the secondary metals recycler registration process with sheriffs (O.C.G.A. 10-1-359.1). New provisions include calendar year renewal of a secondary metals recycler registration, require proof of a current and valid business license (if applicable), a criminal background check and fingerprinting for registered agents registering for the first time, and the authority of the Sheriff’s office to revoke or deny a registration if the recycler has been shut down in another county, has submitted false information or it has been determined by the criminal background check that the registered agent has been convicted of a felony metal theft offense in the previous five years under the secondary metals recycler law.