Frequent Questions
Here are some of the more frequently asked questions about our business. If you do not find what you are looking for, please feel free to contact us.
Does C&I Electronics resell computer equipment?
Answer: Yes. Please see “Our Company” for business hours. Even though our inventory is always changing, it is always 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 upgrades and repairs?
Answer: Yes. Many of the newer computer shops can’t find parts for computers that are even 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.
What environmental certifications does the C&I Electronics hold?
Answer: The company is currently ISO 14001:2004 certified, R2 Pending and registered and inspected by IDEM as required in the State of Indiana.
Will C&I Electronics advise me as to when it is best to purchase a newer machine or even buy new?
Answer: Yes. There are many reasons to upgrade to a newer or even new computer. Sometimes software can cause you to upgrade to a newer computer. This year we have even 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.
Can C&I Electronics help small businesses with networking?
Answer: Yes. We can provide onsite assistance with your existing computers. Please call us and we will have our onsite technician call to see what needs to be done.
What are your hours of operation?
Answer: They are Monday through Friday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Closed for lunch between 12:30 and 1:30. We are also open most Saturdays 11:00 to 4:00 (please call first).
If I am dropping off a computer for recycle what happens to the data on the hard drive?
Answer: Every drive that is brought to us is wiped using a Department of Defense Compliant erasure program free of charge. If a drive is non functional we will degauss it which is another acceptable method.
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 do this. Please call us if you need that done.
The following information is taken from the EPA website regarding e-waste recycling.
An electronics recycler gave me a number that they said was their 'EPA number.' What does this number mean?
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?
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 them. 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.
How much e-waste is in the waste stream?
Consumer electronics – including TVs and other video equipment, computers, assorted peripherals, audio equipment, and phones – make up almost two percent of the municipal solid waste stream, as tracked in the Municipal Solid Waste Characterization Report. Although electronics comprise a small percentage of the total municipal solid waste stream, the quantity of electronic waste that we are generating is steadily increasing. In 2007, discarded TVs, computers, peripherals (including printers, scanners, faxes), mice, keyboards and cell phones totaled about 2.5 million tons.
How much e-waste is recycled?
In 2007, approximately 18 percent (414,000 tons) of discarded TVs and computer products were collected for recycling. Cell phones were recycled at a rate of approximately 10 percent. For more information see Electronics Waste Management in the United States.
What are the substances of potential concern in electronics?
Lead, mercury, cadmium and brominated flame retardants are among the substances of concern in electronics. These substances are included in the 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 PC cathode ray tubes as well as solder and interconnects; older CRTs typically contain on average 4 lbs of lead (sometimes as much as 7 lbs in older CRTs), while newer CRTs contain closer to 2 lbs of lead.
Mercury is used in small amount in bulbs to light flat panel computer monitors and notebooks.
Brominated flame retardants are widely used in plastic cases and cables for fire retardancy; 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 EPAs website that contains this and a lot more information on recycling.
