Here are some of the more frequently asked questions about C & I Electronics Co., Inc.
What are your hours of operation?
Answer: We are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
We normally accept drop-offs Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM-4:30 PM. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are accepting drop-offs by appointment only.
Does C & I Electronics accept old tube style TVs and monitors?
Answer: Yes, for a small fee, we accept and properly recycle cathode ray tube (CRT) TVs and monitors.
If I am dropping off a computer for recycle what happens to the data on the hard drive?
Answer: C & I Electronics offers data sanitization services for companies as well as individuals. We follow the NIST Special Publication (NIST SP) 800-88 standard and R2:2013 guidelines for data destruction of hard drives, phones, data tapes, CD’s/Floppies, and solid state devices to ensure all devices that pass through our facility contain no data upon completion of our processes.
Can C & I Electronics physically destroy my drive?
Answer: Yes, for a small fee we have a machine that can destroy your drive. For businesses, we can even come to your location to perform destruction. Please call us for more information.
Does C & I Electronics resell computer equipment?
Answer: Yes. Our inventory is always changing, so it is a good idea to check with us. We have helped many individuals, students, small businesses, and even IT departments with hard to find items.
Does C & I Electronics perform PC and laptop upgrades and repairs?
Answer: Yes. Many of the newer computer shops can’t find parts for computers that are more than a couple of years old. Our recycling business gives us a natural inventory of the kinds of parts that are most commonly needed to make repairs and upgrades.
Will C & I Electronics advise me as to when it is best to purchase a used machine or when to buy new?
Answer: Yes. There are many reasons to upgrade to a new computer, including software requirements. On the other hand, we have found that many people would prefer a used computer to a new computer so they can downgrade to an operating system that is more suitable to their needs.
An electronics recycler gave me a number that they said was their ‘EPA number.’ What does this number mean?
Answer: The EPA assigns an EPA Waste Generator Identification Number to companies that handle regulated wastes. Due to the diverse processes and the type of equipment, not all electronic recyclers are required to have an EPA ID number. The Identification Number is used to track wastes from one generator to another. It is not a permit, certification, or any kind of EPA approval of their activities. For more information on Waste Generator Identification Numbers, visit the EPA Waste ID Number page.
What are the environmental benefits of reusing and recycling e-waste?
Answer: Electronic products are made from valuable resources, such as precious and other metals, plastics, and glass, all of which require energy to mine and manufacture. Reusing and recycling these materials from end-of-life electronics conserves our natural resources and avoids air and water pollution as well as greenhouse gas emissions that are caused by manufacturing new products.
What are the substances of potential concern in electronics?
Answer: Lead, mercury, cadmium and brominated flame retardants are among the substances of concern in electronics. These substances are included in electronic products for important performance characteristics but can cause problems if the products are not properly managed at end of life.
Lead is used in glass in TV and monitor cathode ray tubes (CRTs), as well as solder and interconnects. Older CRTs typically contain on average 4 lbs. of lead and sometimes as much as 7 lbs. of lead, while newer CRTs contain closer to 2 lbs. of lead.
Mercury is used in small amounts in bulbs to light flat panel computer monitors, TVs, and notebooks.
Brominated flame retardants are widely used as a fire retardant in plastic cases and cables. The more problematic ones have been phased out of newer products but remain in older products.
Cadmium was widely used in Ni-Cad rechargeable batteries for laptops and other portables. Newer batteries (nickel-metal hydride and lithium ion) do not contain cadmium.
Visit the EPA’s website that contains this and a lot more information on recycling.
