As a certified electronics recycler and refurbishment specialist, we’ve processed thousands of computers that go on to serve new users for years. This comprehensive guide will show you everything you need to know about buying a refurbished PC, from understanding quality grades to avoiding common pitfalls.

What is a Refurbished PC? Understanding the Refurbishment Process

A refurbished PC is a previously owned computer that has been professionally restored to full working condition through a comprehensive process of testing, repair, cleaning, and quality assurance. Unlike simply “used” computers sold by individuals, refurbished computers undergo systematic restoration that often makes them indistinguishable from new machines.

The Professional Refurbishment Process

Quality refurbished computers go through multiple stages of restoration:

Data Wiping and Security: All previous data is completely erased using Department of Defense-approved methods, and hard drives are either securely wiped or replaced entirely. This ensures no previous owner information remains on the system.

Hardware Testing and Repair: Every component is tested for functionality, including the motherboard, RAM, storage drives, ports, and cooling systems. Faulty components are replaced with genuine parts or high-quality alternatives.

Physical Restoration: The computer case, keyboard, screen (for laptops), and all external surfaces are thoroughly cleaned, sanitized, and polished. Minor cosmetic damage may be repaired when possible.

Software Installation: A fresh operating system is installed along with essential drivers and basic software packages. The system is configured to factory specifications.

Quality Assurance Testing: Final testing ensures all components work together properly, performance meets specifications, and the computer is ready for immediate use.

When we refurbish computers in our facility, each machine goes through a 12-point inspection process before it’s approved for resale. This level of attention means refurbished PCs often receive more thorough testing than new computers coming straight from the factory.

Refurbished PC vs New Computer: Making the Smart Choice

Understanding when a refurbished computer makes sense versus buying new can save you thousands while meeting your computing needs perfectly.

Cost Savings That Add Up

Refurbished PCs typically cost 30-60% less than equivalent new models. A business-grade computer that retails for $1,200 new might be available refurbished for $500-700 with identical specifications. For organizations buying multiple units, these savings multiply quickly.

Performance Reality Check

Modern refurbished computers from 2-3 years ago often outperform brand-new budget models. A refurbished business laptop with an Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB RAM will significantly outperform a new budget laptop with a basic processor and 4GB RAM, even at similar prices.

Environmental Impact

Choosing a refurbished PC prevents functional electronics from becoming e-waste while reducing demand for new manufacturing. The carbon footprint of refurbishing is typically 85% lower than manufacturing new computers.

When New Makes More Sense

New computers are worth the premium when you need:

• Cutting-edge features for specialized software
• Maximum warranty coverage for mission-critical applications
• Latest security features for highly sensitive environments
• Specific configurations not available in refurbished markets

Refurbished PC Quality Grades: What A, B, and C Actually Mean

Refurbished computer grading helps you understand the condition and expected appearance of your purchase. Here’s how the standard grading system works:

Grade A: Like-New Condition

• Appearance: Minimal to no signs of wear
• Functionality: All components work perfectly
• Typical savings: 25-40% off new price
• Best for: Professional environments, presentation use, users who want near-new appearance

Grade B: Good Working Condition

• Appearance: Light scratches or scuffs that don’t affect functionality
• Functionality: All components work perfectly
• Typical savings: 40-55% off new price
• Best for: Office use, home computing, students, budget-conscious buyers

Grade C: Fair Condition

• Appearance: More noticeable wear, possible minor dents or scratches
• Functionality: All components work perfectly
• Typical savings: 55-70% off new price
• Best for: Back-office use, testing environments, maximum budget savings

The key point: regardless of grade, all refurbished PCs should function identically. The grading only affects appearance, not performance.

Where to Buy Refurbished Computers: Trusted Sources vs Red Flags

The source of your refurbished PC dramatically affects quality, reliability, and your overall experience. Here’s how to identify trustworthy sellers:

Manufacturer Refurbished Programs

Companies like Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Apple offer certified refurbished programs with:

• Original manufacturer warranties
• Genuine replacement parts
• Factory-standard refurbishment processes
• Comprehensive testing procedures

Certified Refurbishment Companies

Professional refurbishers with industry certifications provide:

• Documented refurbishment processes
• Quality guarantees and warranties
• Customer service and technical support
• Return policies for defective units

Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers (MAR)

MAR-certified companies can install genuine Windows software and provide:

• Legal Windows licenses
• Professional refurbishment standards
• Compliance with Microsoft quality requirements
• Legitimate software documentation

Red Flags to Avoid

Avoid refurbished computers from sources that:

• Cannot provide detailed refurbishment information
• Offer no warranty or extremely limited coverage
• Have consistently poor customer reviews
• Cannot verify legal software licensing
• Use vague terminology like “seller refurbished”

Business Benefits: Why Companies Choose Refurbished PCs

Refurbished computers have become increasingly popular in corporate environments for compelling financial and operational reasons.

Budget Optimization

IT budgets stretch further with refurbished PCs, allowing organizations to:

• Equip more employees with quality computers
• Allocate saved funds to other technology initiatives
• Reduce capital expenditure requirements
• Achieve better performance per dollar spent

Rapid Deployment

Refurbished computers are typically available immediately, unlike new computers that may have:

• Long lead times for custom configurations
• Supply chain delays affecting delivery
• Limited availability during high-demand periods

Standardization Advantages

Buying refurbished PCs in volume often means getting identical models, which simplifies:

• IT support and troubleshooting
• Software deployment and updates
• Hardware inventory management
• Training and user familiarity

Educational Sector Adoption

Schools and universities increasingly rely on refurbished computers because:

• Educational budgets benefit from significant cost savings
• Students receive access to higher-quality technology
• Environmental responsibility aligns with institutional values
• Bulk purchasing enables one-to-one computing initiatives

What to Look for When Buying a Refurbished Computer

Making a smart refurbished PC purchase requires evaluating several key factors beyond just price.

Specifications That Matter

Processor: Look for Intel Core i5 or i7 (or AMD Ryzen 5/7) from the last 3-4 generations for solid performance.

Memory (RAM): 8GB minimum for basic use, 16GB for professional applications, 32GB for demanding workflows.

Storage: Prefer SSD over traditional hard drives for speed and reliability. 256GB minimum, 512GB for most users.

Operating System: Ensure legitimate Windows licensing or consider Linux alternatives for cost savings.

Warranty and Support

Quality refurbished computers should include:

• Minimum 90-day warranty, preferably 1 year
• Technical support for hardware issues
• Clear return policy for defective units
• Documentation of refurbishment process

Testing Before You Buy

When possible, test refurbished PCs for:

• Boot time and overall responsiveness
• All ports and connectivity options
• Display quality and brightness
• Keyboard and touchpad functionality (laptops)
• Fan noise and heat generation

Common Myths About Refurbished PCs Debunked

Misconceptions about refurbished computers prevent many people from making smart purchasing decisions. Let’s address the most common myths:

Myth: “Refurbished means broken”

Reality: Most refurbished PCs were never broken. Many come from corporate lease returns, overstock, or cosmetic damage returns. They’re restored to full functionality regardless of origin.

Myth: “Refurbished computers don’t last long”

Reality: Quality refurbished computers often last 4-6 years with proper care, similar to new computers. The refurbishment process may actually identify and fix potential issues before they become problems.

Myth: “You can’t get modern performance from refurbished”

Reality: A 2-3 year old business refurbished PC often outperforms current budget new computers. Business-grade hardware is built for durability and performance.

Myth: “Warranties aren’t worth anything”

Reality: Reputable refurbishers provide meaningful warranties backed by established companies. Some manufacturer refurbished programs offer warranties comparable to new products.

Maximizing Your Refurbished PC Investment

Getting the most value from your refurbished computer requires strategic thinking about specifications and use cases.

Right-Sizing Your Purchase

For Basic Computing (Web, Email, Documents):

• Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3
• 8GB RAM
• 256GB SSD
• Integrated graphics

For Professional Work (Business Applications, Light Design):

• Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5
• 16GB RAM
• 512GB SSD
• Dedicated graphics (if needed)

For Power Users (Video Editing, CAD, Development):

• Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7
• 32GB RAM
• 1TB SSD
• Dedicated graphics card

Upgrade Considerations

Some refurbished PCs offer excellent upgrade potential:

• Adding RAM is often cost-effective
• SSD upgrades dramatically improve performance
• External storage can expand capacity
• Consider upgrade costs when comparing models

Environmental Impact: How Refurbished PCs Support Sustainability

Choosing a refurbished computer represents one of the most impactful technology decisions you can make for environmental sustainability.

E-Waste Reduction

Electronics recycling prevents toxic materials from entering landfills while recovering valuable materials:

• One refurbished PC prevents approximately 400 pounds of e-waste
• Extends useful life of functional electronics by 3-5 years
• Reduces demand for new raw material extraction

Carbon Footprint Reduction

Manufacturing new computers requires significant energy and resources:

• Refurbished computers have 85% lower carbon footprint than new
• Avoids manufacturing emissions of approximately 1,500 pounds CO2 per unit
• Supports circular economy principles

Resource Conservation

The refurbishment process conserves:

• Precious metals used in electronics (gold, silver, palladium)
• Rare earth elements with limited global supply
• Energy required for new component manufacturing
• Water used in electronics production processes

Finding Quality Refurbished PCs: Your Action Plan

Successfully purchasing a refurbished computer requires a systematic approach to ensure you get quality hardware at the right price.

Research Phase

1. Define your requirements: Determine specific performance needs and budget
2. Compare specifications: Look at equivalent new models for baseline pricing
3. Identify reputable sellers: Focus on certified refurbishers and manufacturer programs
4. Read reviews: Check customer feedback for specific models and sellers

Evaluation Phase

1. Verify warranties: Ensure adequate coverage for your needs
2. Understand return policies: Know your options if the computer doesn’t meet expectations
3. Check software licensing: Confirm legal operating system and software
4. Compare total cost: Include shipping, warranties, and any needed upgrades

Purchase Phase

1. Document everything: Keep records of specifications, warranties, and seller information
2. Test immediately: Verify functionality as soon as you receive the computer
3. Register warranties: Activate any available warranty coverage
4. Plan for setup: Prepare for data transfer and software installation

Frequently Asked Questions About Refurbished Computers

How long do refurbished PCs typically last?

Quality refurbished computers typically last 4-6 years with proper care and maintenance. Business-grade refurbished models often outlast consumer-grade new computers due to higher initial build quality.

Can I upgrade a refurbished computer?

Most refurbished PCs offer the same upgrade options as their new counterparts. Common upgrades include adding RAM, installing larger storage drives, or upgrading graphics cards in desktop models.

What kind of warranty should I expect?

Reputable refurbishers offer 90-day to 1-year warranties on refurbished computers. Manufacturer refurbished programs sometimes provide warranties comparable to new products.

Are refurbished computers secure?

Professional refurbishment includes complete data wiping and fresh operating system installation. Refurbished PCs from certified refurbishers are as secure as new computers when properly configured.

How much money can I save buying refurbished?

Typical savings range from 30-60% compared to equivalent new models. Premium business-grade refurbished computers often provide the best value proposition.

What’s the difference between refurbished and used computers?

Refurbished computers undergo professional testing, repair, and restoration processes. Used computers are sold as-is without systematic quality assurance or warranty coverage.

The post Your Complete Guide to Buying a Refurbished PC appeared first on CJD E-Cycling.

So, here’s the dilemma. You’ve got a huge pile of old electronics gathering dust in the basement. You’ve got all kinds of computer parts, TVs, cell phones, and who knows what else. It’s all accumulated over the years, and before you knew it, you had a huge pile of electronic junk to get rid of. What do you do? Up to this point, you’ve just been trying to ignore it, which hasn’t been working out so well. One of your best options is to take all your gadgets to electrical scrap buyers to get cash for electronic scrap. 

You can take many broken or otherwise unwanted electronics to e-cycling centers, but did you know that some electrical scrap buyers will give you cash for electronic scrap? Of course, the things they’ll pay top dollar for are not your run-of-the-mill CRT monitor or an outdated cell phone. Electrical scrap buyers are looking for value. What kinds of electronics are best donated and what kinds you can sell will differ between electrical scrap buyers, so you should always check with the facility first. Most should have lists of what they accept and pricing tables for how they pay readily available.

Here, we’ve compiled a general list of what the best things to bring to electrical scrap buyers tends to be. But first, let’s define some terms. 

Ferrous or Non-Ferrous Metals?

When you’re looking at the websites of electrical scrap buyers to try to figure out what kind of cash for electronic scrap you can get, you might see this distinction. They will usually offer a different price for ferrous metals than they will for non-ferrous scrap. How do you know if what you’ve got is ferrous? What does that even mean?

Don’t get confused. Basically, ferrous means the metal has iron in it (“ferrous” is derived from the Latin word for iron). It’s that simple. Some common examples of ferrous metals are alloy steel, carbon steel, and wrought iron. You might not find too many of these in your electronics, so you will probably be looking at non-ferrous metals. Some common examples there would be aluminum, copper, and lead. 

The easy way to test to see if you have ferrous or non-ferrous metal to bring to electrical scrap buyers is to see if it’s magnetic. That’s why non-ferrous metals are more often used in electronics. Since they’re not magnetic, they’re better suited to that kind of application. They’re also less prone to rust than their ferrous counterparts, so you’ll also see them more often in things like gutters and outdoor signs.

Best Metals to Take to Electrical Scrap Buyers

Copper is definitely one of the most lucrative that you’re going to find in electronic scrap. There are several different grades of scrap copper, each fetching a different price. The kind you’re most likely to find in electronics is copper wiring, and you will probably come across some wiring with insulation. 

Whether you take this insulation off or not will affect how much cash for electronic scrap you get. With little spaghetti wires, it’s often not worth the effort to strip the insulation off; the difference in price isn’t enough to justify all that work. On the other hand, it can definitely be a good idea to strip larger wires of their insulation. It’s easier to do, and you’ll get more copper out of it. Many electrical scrap buyers will still take insulated copper wire and strip the insulation off themselves, they’ll just pay you less for it. Definitely ask your chosen electrical scrap buyers about it if you have any concerns.

While copper is one of the metals that will get you the most cash for electronic scrap, there are others that are worth your time, too. You might find steel in the shells of your appliances, and in certain electronic components, you’ll find precious metals like gold and silver. It won’t be very much of it, but when you add up all your electronic scrap, you might end up with a pretty decent payout.

Things to Bring to Electrical Scrap Buyers

Alright, we’ve got the most important vocabulary words and overarching concepts out of the way. Now we can get a little more detailed about what will get you the most cash for electronic scrap. Of course, there are other types of metal that you can scrap to rake in the big bucks, but we’ll focus here just on electrical scrap buyers. We’ll take you through how to get the most cash for electronic scrap — that includes which types of scrap tend to bring in the biggest bucks and which waste is better to just donate. Here are some of the most common items people want to take into those electrical scrap buyers:

Appliances

Ranging from big-ticket items like washing machines to smaller items like microwaves, selling appliances can be one of the best ways to get cash for electronic scrap. Getting rid of large appliances like refrigerators or ovens can be a hassle. However, if you sell them to electrical scrap buyers, at least you can recoup some of the money you spent on them. If you’ve got appliances with copper tubing, you’re in for an even bigger payday. 

As with most items on this list, you’re probably going to get more money for your appliances if you take them apart and separate them into their different components before you sell them to electrical scrap buyers. This is especially true for relatively small and easy appliances like microwaves. You can snip off the cord, take off the shell, and separate all of the different pieces into piles based on what type of metal they contain. It’s a little extra work, but it can often make the process of selling to electrical scrap buyers that much easier and more lucrative.

Ceiling Fan Motors

If you’re upgrading your living room to beat the heat this summer, what better way to get rid of your old ceiling fan than selling it for a little extra cash? Granted, you’re not going to get very much from an old ceiling fan motor on its own, but adding it to the pile with all the other items we’re listing will give you a little extra bump. 

Remove the blades of the fan before taking it to any electrical scrap buyers, and then see what they’ll give you for the motor. There might be a copper coil inside of it, and that might be worth a little something. Always be on the lookout for where copper might be hiding to get the most cash for electronic scrap.

TVs

TVs are a little bit tricky. Some of them might be good ways to get cash for electronic scrap, but others are not good candidates. If you’ve got a CRT TV, you might have to pay to get it taken away. This is because of the cathode ray tubes within those old types of televisions. They can explode if not handled properly, so many electrical scrap buyers don’t want to touch them. 

They do, however, sometimes take some of the components from CRT monitors. For example, copper yokes from these types of TVs can be good elements to sell. Since copper is so valuable, any source of it might be a good way to get cash for electronic scrap. 

It all depends on how much effort you’re willing to put into taking your electronic scrap apart. Some people are quite comfortable with using their tools and breaking everything up while others aren’t. If you value convenience over getting the most cash for electronic scrap, you’re probably going to want to donate rather than sell in most cases.

Power Outlets

We’re not suggesting you rip all the outlets out of your walls to make a little extra cash. That would be pretty ridiculous and way more trouble than it’s worth. However, there are sometimes power outlets in desks and TV stands that you’re trying to get rid of. If you’d rather donate them than sell them, you won’t be losing out on much. But if you’re trying to get a big pile of electronic scrap together to sell, it doesn’t hurt to throw these in. You can also cut off the wires to separate them out if that’s something you’re comfortable with. Any effort you’re willing to put in will likely get you more cash for electronic scrap.

Backup Batteries

These devices are safeguards for when the power goes out while you’re working on an important document on your computer. Instead of losing all your hard work that you hadn’t yet saved, they’ll allow you to shut everything down properly. These types of batteries are pretty heavy, which translates into a pretty decent payout if you take them to electrical scrap buyers. Just be sure to check that they take these types of items before you bring them in, which goes for every item on this list.

Laptops

What you have to watch out for here is the batteries. Often, electrical scrap buyers will want you to take out the laptop’s battery before they’ll buy it. You’ll have to find another way to get rid of the battery, but you can still get a good price for the rest of the laptop. They can contain a lot of valuable parts, like those precious metals we mentioned earlier.

Motherboards are the biggest circuit boards in computers, and they often contain the most gold. You’ll find the shiny stuff in their contacts and connectors, and there’s a thin layer of it on their surfaces. There’s also gold in their central processors and memory chips. If you can round up a lot of discarded laptops, you can get a lot of cash for electronic scrap.

Mini-Transformers

You’ll find these on cell phones, cameras, and electronic chargers. If you’re looking for these, you’re looking for a small black box. These are good devices to sell because they contain a small copper transformer. Once you get that out of there, you can scrap it. Of course, one or two of them are not going to be worth very much and are probably not worth it, but if you can get your hands on a fair amount of them, they can definitely be worthwhile.

Desktop Towers

Scrapping an entire computer can be a fairly involved process if you want to take it apart. You can often get more money for it when you’re selling the individual pieces, but electrical scrap buyers will sometimes take the whole tower, too. Selling desktop towers can be one of the more lucrative ways to get cash for electronic scrap, especially if you take them apart. However, like most items on this list, you’ll want to check with electrical scrap buyers before bringing in your desktop towers. Some buyers might not take them.

Contact Electrical Scrap Buyers

There you have it. We’ve given you a good list of where to start trying to get cash for electronic scrap. Round up all the unwanted electronics in your house, and go from there. That includes obvious items like big appliances, but it also includes smaller devices you might not think of, like ceiling fan motors. 

The biggest tip is to take apart your electrical scrap and sort it into its components. You’ll likely get more money for it that way. Taking off insulation, sorting out different types of metals, and discarding any non-metal elements are all good places to start. However, if you don’t want to do all that, there are options for you, too. For those of us who just want to get rid of the dusty old electronic devices taking up space in the basement, there are often programs where you can donate your junk instead of selling it. That way, you can be free of it without having to put in any extra work. There are also some electrical scrap buyers who will give you money for whole devices, but you should definitely check with them before bringing anything in.

With all of these ideas in mind, you should be ready to pile up some old electronics and get out there.

The post What to Bring to Electrical Scrap Buyers appeared first on CJD E-Cycling.

According to one International Data Corporation (IDC), the digital world is expanding every day, at 40% annually. It is, therefore, essential to ensure confidentiality. Various companies are responsible for storing, generating, and securing large amounts of this type of data. The International data corporation was able to discover that consumers and companies’ employees were able to create around two-thirds of the data points.

When data is stored correctly, it will be a significant advantage to a business. It will help the companies serve their customers better, fine-tune on their day to day business, and forecast their prospects. That way, the market can generate valuable information that is useful for its growth in the future. In St. Louis, companies have been able to come up with various ways to help maintain valuable data and also develop multiple strategies for ensuring confidentiality.

The point here is, with more data in the display, the chances are high that there will also be an increased responsibility. The more data that the companies can create, the more effort they must apply in managing it and also destroying it in a way to protect the consumers’ and employees’ privacy. There are ways through which companies have been using so that they may ruin this confidential information instead of leaking it to the public.

The data breach statistics have continued to expand, and various compliance regulations have been getting tighter every day. The legal fees and fines related to non-compliance usually vary widely. Companies should get ready to pay more as courts and class action lawyers will offer almost zero help when it comes to matters of data misuse. Therefore, one is required to come up with ways through which they can work on making sure that various data destruction categories are correctly put in place.

With people being sued for exposing critical consumers’ information, various measures have been put in place to ensure proper data destruction.

What is Data Destruction?

The correct definition for data destruction is that process of destroying information confidentially without leaking any information or leaving any traces behind. The process can either be through digital or paper and must be done according to the industry’s best practice and set compliance standards.

Secure data destruction will help overwrite sensitive information while leaving the original materials unreadable. There are many St Louis data destruction set standards that have been rated among the best.

Data that has not been destroyed is vulnerable to identity theft among other things. According to a study done in 2015, around 48% of the smartphones, secondhand drives had data that contained very sensitive information, videos, and photos accordingly. Most of the time, there is a need to have data destruction categories that work perfectly well. With the advancement of technology, people have devised various ways of storing crucial information.

These stakes are even higher for the larger organizations and companies as well and thus a need to ensure there is confidentiality in every sector. When a company fails to sanitize the leased computer, you may compromise the information of your clients who may later sue you for negligence. You may end up paying hefty fines for the damages caused because of exposing close details relating to your clients. Eventually, you may lose your businesses because clients will no longer entrust you with their details.

Data Destruction Laws

As the information sources keep on expanding and gaining new momentum, so has the government regulations. St Louis data regulations are not different from other states. There are several federal and state laws that mandate companies to properly destroy data to protect their employees and consumers as well. They have been able to be implemented to the core, and many companies are complying as per the best practice standards.

HIPAA

The HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a strict law passed in 1996 when the health sector started relying on digital systems in administrative and clinical settings. The data is meant to protect clients’ sensitive information which, if not correctly disposed of, might result in compromising their privacy. It will enhance the protection of all the medical records and disclosure as well.

HIPAA has extremely stringent data destruction protocols which include the following:

1. The labeled prescription bottles should be stored in opaque bags before a disposal contractor destroys them.
2. The paper records have to be pulverized, shredded, purpled, or burned until all the patient information becomes unreadable and can’t be reconstructed.
3. The electronic data should be cleared using magnetic methods or overwriting software. These methods will leave no traces of evidence behind.

Computer Fraud and Abuse Act

This law was enacted in 1984 and has subsequently been updated six times. These editions were done to reflect the significant changes in technology and data technology. Things have been changing very fast in the data industry, and there is a need to capture all of the information necessary. This law has prohibited accessing a computer without authority from the user. It was also designed to deal with hackers who have always worked towards stealing critical information from other networks. Things are changing, and the punishments herein can be severe and may result in major criminal convictions.

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act

The famous Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act is the law that mandates the various financial institutions like mortgage lenders, banks, and credit unions to explain how they share their information and the policies they apply. They also help them protect various sensitive information, which may end up in the hands of hackers and causing a big mess. The St Louis data destruction procedures are required to be very consistent with the famous Federal Trade Commission’s disposal regulations. That is why there are strict data destruction categories in that order to ensure the safety of clients and staff as well. Banks and other financial institutions hold critical information regarding their customers, which might be compromised to siphon money from their accounts.

Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002

This law was enhanced to respond to the various financial sector scandals. The bill comes in to protect the investors from all manners of corporate fraud. The Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002(SOX) has managed to set a particular guideline for auditing, retaining, and destroying every bit of financial data that fraudsters can use to get information. Most of the industry shareholders have suffered a big blow after their data has been left to be viewed by enemies and opportunists.

Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA)

FACTA is an amendment to the once-famous Fair Credit Reporting Act. The law was enacted in 2003 and has been protecting various consumers form any form of identity theft. The bill also argues that all businesses, regardless of industry or size, must protect the consumer data or be held accountable. In 2005, the FACTA also factored in some specialized data disposal guidelines. This law has helped enhance the industry’s safety. These bodies have always worked closely to ensure that St Louis data destruction procedures are followed accordingly. They also work directly with various clients in ensuring that compliance is adhered to among several arrays of industry standards.

Various Tips for Data Destruction Compliance

Data can be referred to as a double-edged sword. It is precious to companies but can also be very destructive when it has been mishandled. It has always helped various companies understand their consumer trends. When a company fails to maintain an adequate date destruction compliance, the whole thing can turn against him with hefty penalties and lawsuits. The overall result can be traumatizing because of the reputation damage that may bring a business to a standstill. The St Louis data destruction experts have always worked to ensure that they enable corporations to safeguard on their overall business interests.

There are several steps that many companies can institute to remain compliant in the sector. They include:

1. Establishing a Data Destruction Policy

Maintenance of data compliance always begins with the creations of policies that surround the St Louis data destruction process. It should be analyzed by the various data destruction categories to enhance the smooth flow of activities.

A company should be evident in the data they would like to protect. Not all the information is created equally, and it is essential to help identify which documents should be included in the data destruction procedures. In the drafting policies process, the companies must involve representatives from various departments and ensure all improvement opportunities and weak points are considered. It will help them improve on privacy during the next destruction period.

Kindly it is good to note that enforcing the policies is very important as creating them as well. There should be a regular audit of the St Louis data destruction policies to ensuring that all the requirements set aside are being met.

2. Digitizing Records

Some companies are required to keep hard copies for some individual records for a particular duration of time. In these exceptional cases, there are several methods and various retention schedules for securely destroying the paper documents. It is, therefore, essential to enhance a sound filing system that will have disposable materials ready.

However, the paper is usually an unnecessary liability. It is not possible to determine the person who read a piece of paper or even the one who did a copy of the same. Even the most advanced filing system cannot alert anyone when the paperwork is missing or even when the paper was audited. Such challenges require a different approach when handling such things.

The idea of digitizing records and smart data destruction software can be automatically configured to help delete documents as per the schedules. Companies will use this strategy to ensure that sensitive data is permanently destroyed when the right time comes. These data destruction categories will leave no evidence and protect consumers and clients from any unexpected risk of stolen information.

3. Using a Records Management Software

Technology advancement has continued improving the lives of people through making it easier and better. In the data destruction industry, there has been the introduction of the records management software, which has helped so many people achieve tremendous results in their industry. The software has been a one-stop-shop for the protection of data throughout its entire life cycle. When the processes are automated and independent audits done, the systems will be responsible for alerting the various users when these documents should be destroyed. Retaining certain materials for a more extended period may result in fines. So it is advisable to destroy these documents promptly or face the rule of law.

4. Working with Records Management Consultants

The various laws for data destruction and retention vary by state and industry as well. St Louis data destruction laws have always worked to ensure that the company is complying with the rules and mostly working with records management consultants who are still available. These consultants are the ones who decide whether the company is appropriately storing data and protecting them from costly fines and lawsuits.

What to Consider in a St Louis Data Destruction Vendor

When thinking of the best ways to destroy digital files or paper documents, you will need the input of a data destruction vendor who will be there to ensure that the information is deleted completed. Before hiring the vendor of your choice, it is essential to do adequate research to ensure that they meet the company’s individual needs. These people should also be qualified to protect your clients and employees as well.

When looking for a company to help secure St Louis data destruction, it is essential to ask the following questions:

1. Is the Vendor NAID (National Association for Information Destruction) Certified?

The association is the one recognized for setting the various industry standards for safe disposal of confidential information.

2. Do the Vendors provide destruction certificates?

These detailed documents will describe how the data was destroyed. These certificates would protect you in the event of a lawsuit or an audit.

3. Do these vendors adhere to the state, federal and industry standards?

This compliance is crucial. The vendor will be deemed illegal if it does not comply with the above standards on the data destruction policies. The use of technology comes after being registered by a professional body.

4. Do the companies provide a chain of custody?

When did St Louis data destruction through paper documents or hard drives, it is essential to know the persons who had access and when. This one will protect them if any breach of contract occurs.

As the data continues to increase, companies have developed unique ways to improve their operations and serve their customers with integrity. However, companies need to understand how they can protect themselves against data breaches and other forms of information mismanagement. This approach can only be enhanced by creating data destruction policies and hiring St Louis data destruction vendors.

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Remember there is still a CHARGE for all TVs, monitors, light bulbs, cardboard, NiCad batteries, lithium primary batteries and alkaline batteries being dropped off.

The Edwardsville location will be open Tuesday-Friday from 10 am – 3 pm starting April 8, 2020.  The CJD E-Store (East Alton) remains closed for residential drop-offs. CJD E-Store is still open by appointment for resale of laptops, desktop computers, Flat Screen TVs and monitors. To make an appointment please call (618) 251-8086

NO CASH! If any fees are required they will need to be paid by Credit or Debit cards.

**Only one vehicle is allowed to unload at a time to maintain a social distance. **

1. Pull in through our normal drive-thru drop off entrance making sure no one is currently unloading.
2. Before unloading please call (618)659-9006 extension 0, for assistance
3. Once you call in, we will be able to let you know if there is a fee on your items
   • You will be able to make a payment over the phone. 
   • Once it is approved you will be able to drop off all accepted material. 
4. Please follow the procedure for the item or items you are dropping off.
   • All pallets, Gaylord boxes, carts, and containers are labeled for your convenience.
   • Please be neat when dropping off materials, as to not cause a hazard for the following visitor.
5. Once you are finished dropping off your item or items please proceed along our building to the exit on the left to get back to the main road. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this uncertain time. We have a dedicated team managing our response and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Please know we are committed to you during this uncertain time.

For more information call p. (618)659-9006 or email. info@cjdecycling.com

On behalf of all of us at CJD E-Cycling, thank you for your continued business.

The post A Notice from CJD E-Cycling: Our Response to Coronavirus appeared first on CJD E-Cycling.

Copper Recycling: A Valuable Waste Reducing Method

We only have a limited amount of materials on this planet. We use things at an alarming rate, and it isn’t slowing down any time soon. Even things that we take for granted every day could end up becoming a rare commodity if we aren’t careful. This includes something as simple as copper.

Copper is a metal used in a lot of everyday products, such as wire and jewelry. As mentioned, we only have a certain amount of copper in the world. For that reason, many establishments have been developed to reuse unwanted copper into something new.

Recycling is a much more environmentally friendly process than mining new copper. It’s also a way for people to make money.

Gathering up copper and selling the scrap metal may be a way for someone to make some extra money. In order to do this, it’s important to separate the copper from other metals. It’s also important to separate the copper itself as there are different grades of copper which will be explained later. Then the recycling plant, such as CJD E-Cycling, can go about getting it ready for its next use.

Here is everything you need to know about copper recycling.

About Copper

Copper is a type of metal. It is used in wiring, motors, plumbing, machinery, roofing, and a number of other things.

Copper is a non-ferrous metal. That means that it does not contain iron. Metals without iron are typically more expensive than ferrous metals with iron. If you aren’t sure if the object you’re looking at is made of ferrous or non-ferrous metal, use the magnet test. If the magnet sticks to the object, it contains iron. Brass, aluminum, and stainless steel are examples of other non-ferrous metals. Ferrous metals include steel, iron, and titanium. This will be important in copper recycling later when you need to separate your materials.

Copper is also particularly good at conducting electricity. Silver is the only other material in the world with higher conductive properties. That’s why copper is used in so many wires today. It’s important for electricians when they create electric lines. It’s also important for construction workers when they build around electric lines.

History of Copper

The first copper jewelry was found in the Middle East. It is thought to be from about 87,000 BC. Ever since then, the material has been used in numerous other ways, especially construction. In fact, it was used in buildings instead of rock as early as 8000 BC. Soon after that in 4000 BC, people in ancient Egypt were melting the copper down to mold it into shapes. When people learned how to use this technology in more practical ways, it lead to a whole new era known as the Bronze Age.

Copper was found all over the ancient world. Ancient Romans found most of their copper on the island of Cypress. It was originally called the “metal of Cypress” in Roman before gradually getting the name we know today.

Copper is naturally found all around the world. Ever since ancient times, people have seen the capabilities of copper recycling. There is evidence that even ancient civilizations reused copper. 

Copper in the United States

Copper is one of the items that we in the United States largely produce for ourselves. We are the second largest manufacturer of copper behind China, so we get to sell it to other countries, too. In fact, 8% of the copper in the world comes from the United States. Of course, a lot of this comes from copper recycling.

In the United States, we have more than 1.5 metric tons of copper. It is located mostly in the American West, particularly in the following states:

• Arizona
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• Utah

 We are mostly keeping these copper reserves for future use. Rather than mining more copper, we are utilizing copper recycling methods to help produce like-new copper in the easiest, cheapest, and most environmentally-friendly way. 

Reasons to Recycle Copper

There is a good chance that the copper items in your home were actually once a much different object before the copper was reused and for good reason! It’s an easy item to reuse and recycle, and it’s helpful to do so.

 There are a number of reasons that we use copper recycling instead of mining new copper. One of the main reasons is that it takes about 90% less energy to recycle copper than to mine it. When we use less energy, we are putting less pollution into the air. Mining uses valuable resources, creates a lot of pollution, and it costs a lot more money. The cost of mining is extreme, so reusing the copper we have already procured keeps manufacturing low and retail costs low.

 Also, copper is non-renewable. That means that when we use up all the copper available, there won’t be any left. That sounds scary, but the good news is that we’ve only depleted about 12% of the world’s copper supply so far. The good news continues, because copper is a great metal to be reused and recycled, so the copper levels won’t deplete very quickly as long as we continue copper recycling.

 Finally, people can make money from recycling. Copper is one of the most lucrative materials for people who collect scrap metal to sell under brass. In fact, it maintains about 90% of its original value in ideal cases. That brings it to about $2 – $4 per pound of copper. It’s also relatively easy to find this metal. If you want to take advantage of the opportunities, you need to know where to find copper.  

Where to Find Copper

One of the best places to find copper is on a construction site. Houses use a lot of copper. Look through the trash on a construction site for any copper that might have been accidentally discarded. There’s usually plenty of copper wire. There’s also copper in fittings, valves, and other hardware. You may also find trace amounts of copper in a number of appliances in your home.

It’s best to gather up the copper you gather into one large pile until you are ready to make a large trip to the recycling center. If you make several trips, you will end up paying more money in gas. You’ll also be putting more toxins in the air by driving more.

Separating Copper For Recycling

Everyone knows that you have to separate materials before going to the recycling center. However, you have to separate the different types of copper as well. You may think that all copper is the same, but that’s not the case. Here are the different types of copper to separate.

– #1 copper

This is the most expensive copper since it is in the best condition. It does not have any insulation on it, and it doesn’t have any oxidization or oil on the material. Many people will strip all insulation away from the pure copper. If you do not want to strip the wires beforehand, the wires should also be separated by itself into another pile.

– #2 copper

This is the second level down from #1 copper. It may have some imperfections to it, causing it to be more complicated to clean and recycle. Copper pipes with oil or residue on it are examples of #2 copper. This means that you will get a lower price for this copper.

– #3 (roofing) copper

Roofs go through a beating during their lifetime. Even the installation process covers the copper roofing material in tar and paint that might still be there when you’re ready to get rid of it. That’s not to mention all of the dirt and grime that will find its way on the roof as well.

– copper wiring

If you don’t know how to strip the insulation off copper wiring (or don’t want to) it will go in this final and least expensive category. It’s best to avoid stripping any wire, less than the width of your pinky.

 If you don’t know how to separate your copper properly, the people at an e-waste recycling center can answer any questions you have. The more you do it, the more you will learn. The more you learn, the more money you will make when you sell your scrap metal. The better scrap metal is separated, the easier it will be for the recycling center. That means that they will pay you more. 

How Copper is Recycled

Copper recycling is a very detailed process. There are variations depending on the copper being recycled, but it generally goes through the same process.

 First, copper is put through an assembly line that breaks down the copper to very small pieces that separates the pure copper from any insulation or any other objects it’s combined with. There are also times when copper is mixed in with other materials, such as lead or tin. Copper recycling processes may skip the refining process and keep the materials together if it will cost more money to separate the materials than to keep them combined. If you have any questions on what will happen with your scraps, ask the people at the e-waste recycling center.

 After all insulation and other materials are separated from the copper, the copper is put through a grueling process. It goes through a screener that examines the quality. It is then put through a density separator to divide them even further. It then goes through an inspection. This copper is finally taken to the final stage of the process where it is turned into 5/16 rods. These rods are then used to make whatever products are in demand. It will be back in the store on the shelf with no sign of it being recycled except maybe a sticker on the packaging.

 There are very strict requirements throughout the process, and all copper that comes out of the recycling process will be as clean and pure as possible.

 Copper used in wiring is the most difficult for copper recycling. This is its biggest downfall when it comes to recycling. We are finding better ways to accomplish the goal of reusing copper in wiring, but it doesn’t help that electrical systems are growing all over the world. CJD E-cycling and others are making this a priority in order to keep up with future needs. 

Throwing Away Copper

Our landfills are getting more full every day. We need to find space to keep this trash, and then we need to use valuable resources to take care of it. Adding copper to these landfills is a completely unnecessary action that has negative effects on the environment. Why throw away material that can be used over and over again with very little trouble? It’s every person’s responsibility to keep copper out of the trash can and into the recycling bin. If we don’t, the copper supply will disappear much more quickly than it has to. Not only will prices go up until it disappears, but we will be forced to use subpar materials as well. Don’t throw away copper unnecessarily. E-waste recycling companies are happy to pay you for your efforts.

 The more you know, the more you will be able to help the environment as well as your wallet. Copper is a very useful material, and it’s our responsibility to utilize it to its fullest potential before the supplies deplete to nothing. Too many people throw copper away, but throwing it away is only adding to the already giant landfills that are getting out of control. With just a little bit of effort, it can be handled more properly. Gather up the copper in your home and take it over to the nearest recycling center. Just be sure to separate things beforehand to help the people at the E-waste recycling center and earn yourself even more money. 

The post Everything You Need to Know About Copper Recycling appeared first on CJD E-Cycling.

Before offering our filing cabinets recycling services we will check your cabinets to determine whether or not they are fit for donation. It is important to note that many filing cabinets are not suitable for donation given that non-profit organizations have received an overwhelming supply of these products due to the economic downtown. These resources are fast-becoming obsolete now that more and more companies are opting to go paperless and are storing their important documents in digital format. Moreover, there isn’t a robust resale market for file cabinets due to these same reasons.

File cabinets recycling is a simple and straightforward process given that these cabinets are often comprised entirely of metal. Heavy equipment is used to complete the prepping process. This equipment tears, smashes and bails each unit. The resulting materials are then sent to smelters so that they can be melted down into their raw form. These raw materials can then be reused.

Creative Ways To Reuse Your Filing Cabinets

There are a number of creative ways that businesses can reuse their filing cabinets after having fully transitioned to wholly paperless operations. These strategies work best in homes and in small-sized offices where only a small number of filing cabinets must be repurposed. Not only are they great for transitioning obsolete resources into something functional and fun, but they will also help environmentally-conscious businesses and consumers limit their contribution to local landfills.

Invert, Paint And Accessorize Your File Cabinets To Create New Storage

Place your filing cabinet on its back and remove the storage drawers. You can fill the empty chambers with mops, brooms, shovels and other tools or you can use them for blueprint and architectural drawing storage. These new storage systems can be enhanced with an attractive coat of paint or accessorized with a pegboard, whiteboard or other functional addition.

Use A Mini File Cabinet To Create A Rolling Bar

Position a mini file cabinet beneath the surface of a rolling cart. Fill the drawers with all of the tools that you need to mix up your favorite cocktails. You can accessorize your rolling cart with a utensil hook or a wine rack, temporary wallpaper or paint.

Create A Rolling Kitchen Island

Add an attractive slab of wood to the top of a rolling filing cabinet in order to create your own, mobile kitchen island. You can affix a paper towel holder or a utensil rack to the side of your island. This can be painted in any color of your choosing.

Build Your Own Desk With An Unused Door

Two, miniature filing cabinets can serve as the perfect base for a new desk. If you have an unused door lying around, this will make the ideal desktop. You can experiment with different paint colors for both the file cabinets and door and will find that this design provides sufficient space for multiple computer monitors and numerous desk accessories.

Use Filing Cabinet Drawers As Book Holders

Rather than tossing an old filing cabinet drawer out, consider using it as a book holder. These also make great planters. You can even use the actual cabinet structures as garden planter boxes.

If you have more filing cabinets than you can possibly repurpose, contact CJD E-Cycling at 618-659-9006 so that we can remove these fully recyclable items from your place of business.

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Ferrous metals take their name from Latin. In ancient Latin, Ferum translated as iron, thus ferrous metals all contain iron. The unique qualities between the different ferrous metals result from changes in the atomic relationship.

Ferrous metals are very durable. They are used in large, high-burden bridges, skyscrapers, the railroad system and immense sections of durable pipeline.

One of the downsides is vulnerability to rust. The appearance of rust often means iron-rich metal. Ferrous metals are not resilient enough against oxidation. The rust can set in easy. This excludes wrought-iron, which is so full of pure iron.

NON-FERROUS METALS

Non-ferrous metals, or metals without significant iron content, are also strong. However, they are lighter than ferrous metals and cannot suspend similar loads. They are more malleable as well, and both traits can be an advantage.

They were the first metals to be used in the art of metallurgy. Silver, copper and gold have been collected and used since ancient times as currency, jewelry, crucibles, other holy objects, weapons and architectural components.

The lightweight quality of nonferrous metals like copper, tin, aluminum, brass and lead has its advantages. It is far more malleable, thus greater potential to restructure and make new metals is more possible. It still has good tensile strength even though its lighter.

Other advantages of his metal are its high conductivity of electrical current (i.e. copper), its resistance to corrosion (i.e. zinc) and its near immunity to magnetic force.

These metals are either transformed into finished products or intermediary metals. Deformation processes like rolling, extruding and forging transmute the intermediary metal to a finished product.

POPULAR FERROUS METALS

-Stainless Steal
IT will not rust, corrode or stain like ordinary steel. It is a poor conductor. It can be found in knives and cutlery, milled alloys, architecture, appliances and sterilized surgical tools.
-Wrought Iron
This metal is malleable, more so than most ferrous metals. Before a revolution in steel-making, wrought iron was a principle allow in the manufacture of steel. Today it is commonly found on farm perimeters, jail and prison fences, home decor and high-end carpentry tools.
-Cast Iron
Usually comes from Pig Iron. It is liquefied at high heat and molded into shape for solidification. Cast iron is found in buildings, bridges and life-lasting cookware.

-High Carbon Steel
This steel usually has a low threshold for temperature. It is fairly well at resisting rust. It is very rich in carbon, with concentrations over 1%. The folded steel variety can be found in top-notch knives and blades, industrial machines and even the most sophisticated Japanese swords.

-Tool Steel
It is Repellent against corrosion, wear and high temperature. Used for things like injection molding and machine parts.

POPULAR NON-FERROUS METALS

-Aluminum
Aluminum is malleable, ductile and a powerful heat and electricity conductor. Found in many household items. Piping, bike frames, baseballs bats and siding are examples.

-Copper
Used in various alloys. It is a great conductor. It is malleable and soft. It is used in electric motors, wiring, currency, architecture like the Statue of Liberty and sheathing for ships.

-Gold
This rare, precious and highly sought after metal is extremely resistant to corrosion, heat, pressure and elements. Because it withstands heat and chemical reactions, and because it is so malleable and soft it is commonly used in electrical connectivity.

-Silver
Like gold, this precious metal is a great conductor and very resistant to corrosion, elements, chemicals and temperature. It is used in natural energy, medicine, jewelry and fine china.

-Bronze
This alloy is made of copper and zinc. There are corrosion resistant forms but it is susceptible to seasonal cracking. It is used in brass instruments, ancient art, doorknobs and household fixtures, locks, valves and more.

METAL RE-USE: Ferrous and Non-Ferrous metal recycling

The metallurgy field gets great benefit from the recycled Non-Ferrous metals. The scrap metals are often integral to the formation of new metals.

Because there is a lot of scrap metal, recycling is important. So much quality material would go to waste at the expense of the environment without a recycling plan. Dross is often made from Non-Ferrous metals when recycling plants recast and re-smelt the material.

Ferrous metals are recycled more than just about anything on Earth. The motives may be centered around profit maximization but the results are undeniable, and a strong model for all other industries.

Close to an astonishing 100% of all automobiles and 98% of structured steel was produced with recycled Ferrous metal in 2008. There is no single industry with numbers even close.

The impact is very clear. As a whole, the industry uses 75% less energy every year. Though economical concerns may be the driving force the incredibly reduced impact on the environment is hard to ignore.

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