Georgia's new law regulating metal recycling seems to be working.
Metal theft is down, but recyclers say the law is confusing and they want people to know they can still sell scrap metal without being registered.
It's been more than two months since the Georgia Regulated Metals Recycling Law took effect, but recyclers say most of their customers are still confused about what they can and can't do when they want to sell scrap.
Managers at Automotive Core Supply and Scrap in Sylvester say they have to explain Georgia's Regulated Metals Recycling Law daily.
"A lot of phone calls every day. People asking you do I have to register to sell my materials that I pick up in my backyard. And that answer is no," said Manager Eric Lavely.
The Georgia law, aimed at stopping thieves stripping air conditioners and stealing metal, says people who buy from others and then sell metal have to register with their county sheriff. But recyclers say many people are not clear what the law says.
"You are just an individual who is cleaning out your backyard, or you are a farmer that's getting rid of your plow points for the season. Or if your just have an old vehicle in your yard that you need to get rid of, you are more than welcome to sell it anytime," said Manager Elizabeth Lebryk.
To sell metal you do have to have an official Georgia picture ID and you will be videotaped. But another misconception, you don't have to wait two weeks to be paid.
"They can either come in and get paid the same day with a check, or we can do a voucher, and they come back in 3 days and we pay them cash," said Lavely.
Police say the Georgia law apparently is working.
"I don't think we've had a metal theft since the law has come into being. Anytime you got to show a picture ID and all, people are reluctant to go to these place and take stolen property," said Sylvester Police Wayne Jennings.
Automotive Core Supply is spending another 35 thousand dollars for computer software and surveillance cameras to make sure they exceed all state regulations.
They say their business is off a little bit since July, but don't think the law is the reason.
"The laws have actually been very helpful to us. We do face that the misinformation to the public, is what has affected our business," said Lebryk.
A new Georgia law they hope people will understand, and not prevent them from recycling metal when they want.
The managers at Automotive Core Supply hope that the state will soon update their V.I.N. check system on junk cars brought to them.
They say right now they have to pay to get the latest information on cars.
A spokesman for the Georgia Recyclers Association told us "The new law is working as we have seen a decrease in metal theft all across the state since the law went into effect on July 1, 2012. As an association, GRA continues to work with our members, the law enforcement community and the general public to educate all interested parties on the details of the law. Since the law went into effect, we have received various questions from interested parties on a wide range of issues relating to the law. The Georgia Recyclers Association is committed to making sure that there is clarity in the law and we hope to continue to address any confusion that people have as it relates to the law. "
You can read the full Georgia law here.
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