Calamari Recycling Co. In Essex CT

About Calamari Recycling Co. in Essex, CT

Welcome to your guide about Calamari Recycling Co.! This isn't just any old junkyard; it's a family-run business with a long history in the recycling world. Located at 20 Dump Rd in Essex, CT 6426, Calamari Recycling Co. is a top spot if you're looking to turn your old metal into some cash or responsibly get rid of your unwanted stuff.

A Long Family Story: From Old Street to New Digs

Calamari Recycling Co. started way back in 1935. Can you believe it? That's almost a century of experience! It all began on Howard Street in New London, Connecticut, with two brothers, John Calamari and Anthony Calamari, and their brother-in-law, Joseph Smith, leading the way. Think of the old cars and scrap metal they saw come and go over the years!

In 1999, the business packed up and moved to its current home in Essex, CT. Today, it's still very much a family affair, run by folks like Paul Calamari, Vincent Nucci, and the founder's grandsons, Jonathan Nucci and Joel Nucci. After Jonathan passed, Joel took the reins. This kind of long-standing family history means they know their stuff when it comes to the recycling game.

Just like many businesses in the Salvage yards in Connecticut, Calamari Recycling Co. has seen a lot of changes. Their ability to stick around for so long shows they're good at adapting and keeping up with the times, always finding new ways to help folks recycle.

What Calamari Recycling Co. Does

Calamari Recycling Co. at 20 Town Dump Road, Essex, CT 06426, is a full-service scrap metal recycling facility. They've been at this for over 90 years and are a third-generation, family-owned and operated business. They work with all kinds of folks—from individuals with a few old items to big manufacturers, auto companies, building wreckers, and even city governments—helping them recycle all sorts of metal. We're talking stainless steel, copper, brass, steel, and aluminum.

How They Operate: Full-Service, Not Self-Service

It's important to know that Calamari Recycling Co. is a full-service operation. This means they handle the whole recycling process for you. Unlike some junkyards near me where you might go pull parts yourself, Calamari does all the heavy lifting. They're all about scrap metal recycling and waste handling, not selling individual used car parts or shipping them out. They also boast about paying some of the highest prices for scrap metal, making it a good place to get some cash for your unwanted metal.

Vehicle Types and What They Do With Them

Calamari Recycling Co. mainly focuses on recycling scrap metal, and that includes vehicles. While they don't sell specific makes or models of used cars or trucks, they work with auto companies and building wreckers, which means they deal with a wide range of vehicles for recycling. So, if you have an old clunker that's seen better days, they can help you get rid of it. They specifically mention processing vehicles for recycling, including those with valuable parts like catalytic converters.

Popular Auto Parts (At Other Junkyards)

Since Calamari Recycling Co. is a full-service scrap metal recycler and doesn't sell individual used auto parts directly to customers for their cars, this section is about what you'd generally find folks looking for at other scrapping yards or traditional wrecking yards that sell parts.

• Engines and Transmissions: These big-ticket items are often sought after because buying them used can save you a lot of money compared to new ones.
• Body Panels: Need a new door, hood, or fender? Used body panels are a common find for collision repairs.
• Electrical Components: Parts like alternators, starters, or even a used electric battery can often be found for a fraction of the new price.
• Suspension Parts: Shocks, struts, and springs can be a deal, but it's always good to make sure they're in decent shape.
• Interior Components: If your seats are torn or your dashboard is cracked, used interior pieces can make your ride feel fresh again.
• Wheels and Tires: Looking for a spare wheel or a matching set of tires? Many salvage yards have a decent selection.

Current Scrap Metal Prices

While they don't list prices for specific car parts, Calamari Recycling Co. does share some of their scrap metal rates. For example, they pay for entire cars with catalytic converters, and also for specific auto components like radiators.

• Cars with Catalytic Converters: Around $250 per vehicle.
• Auto Rads: Typically $1.00 to $2.00 per unit.

For the most up-to-date pricing on any scrap metal you have, it's always best to give them a call directly at 860-767-2267 or visit their location at 20 Town Dump Road, Essex, CT 06426.

Who They Serve: Their Service Area

Calamari Recycling Co. is right in Essex, CT, so they're a go-to spot for people and businesses in nearby towns. You can expect customers to come from places like:

• Old Saybrook, CT
• Clinton, CT
• Madison, CT
• East Haddam, CT
• Guilford, CT

If you're in the area and need to get rid of some scrap metal or an old vehicle, they're probably your closest and most reliable option.

No Special System for Finding Parts (Interchange System)

Many large auto salvage yards have a special computer system called an “interchange system.” This system helps customers or staff find a specific part you need from one car and see if it also fits other car models or years. It's pretty handy if you're trying to find a compatible OEM part for your ride.

However, based on the information available, Calamari Recycling Co., Inc. does not offer this kind of auto parts interchange system. As we mentioned, their main focus is on recycling scrap metal and whole vehicles, not selling individual used car parts directly to the public through a detailed inventory system. If you're looking for an interchange system, you might need to check with other types of used auto parts stores.

Warranty on Used Parts? Not Advertised

When you buy used auto parts from a traditional salvage yard, sometimes they offer a warranty to give you peace of mind. This means if the part breaks soon after you buy it, you might be able to get your money back or a replacement.

However, for Calamari Recycling Co., there is no clear information or mention of a used parts warranty, extended warranty options, or related costs. Since they are primarily a scrap metal recycling facility and not a retailer of individual used parts, this isn't usually something they would offer.

If you have any questions about something specific, your best bet is always to contact them directly. You can call them at (860) 767-2267 or (860) 850-2532, or email them at [email protected]. Learn more about used auto parts warranty.

No Entry Fee!

Good news! If you plan to visit Calamari Recycling Co., there's no entry fee or cover charge. It's a business providing recycling services, not a museum or a theme park, so you don't pay to get in. They're there to help you recycle your metals and offer competitive pricing for materials. They also offer free estimates, which is a nice touch.

• Location: 20 Town Dump Road, Essex, CT 06426
• Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM; Saturday: 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM
• Contact: 860-850-2532 for free estimates

Tools and Equipment for Pulling Used Auto Parts (General Advice)

It's important to remember that Calamari Recycling Co. is a full-service scrap metal facility and does not generally allow customers to wander around and pull their own parts. They handle the dismantling and recycling process themselves.

However, if you ever visit a different type of junkyard where you *can* pull your own parts (often called a “U-Pull-It” yard), here's a general list of important tools to bring to make sure you're ready for anything:

Must-Have Tools:

• Sockets and Ratchets: A basic set (both SAE and metric) is your best friend. Make sure you have ¼, ⅜, and ½-inch drives.
• Wrenches: Keep a set of open-end/box-end wrenches handy for those tricky spots where sockets don't fit.
• Extensions and Breaker Bar: These help you reach far-off bolts and get extra power on stubborn ones.
• Hammer and Pry Bar: Sometimes, a little friendly persuasion (or brute force) is needed to get parts loose.
• Pliers and Screwdrivers: Essential for gripping, cutting wires, and loosening small fasteners.
• Gloves: Protect your hands from sharp edges, grease, and grime. Safety first!

Tools NOT to Bring (Generally Not Allowed at Junkyards):

• Torch: Big no-no due to fire hazards.
• Grinders: Also not allowed for safety reasons.
• Jacks: Most yards don't allow you to jack up cars on your own.

Get Cash for Your Junk Car!

Calamari Recycling Co., Inc. isn't just about collecting scrap metal; they also pay cash for junk cars! If you have an old car that's just taking up space, they can take it off your hands. It's a quick and easy way to get some money for your unwanted junk car.

They're well-equipped to handle all sorts of heavy scrap, including whole cars. They use big machines like hydraulic cranes, loaders, portable shears (which cut up heavy metal), and various containers to manage everything. This means they can process vehicles efficiently, no matter their condition. So, whether your vehicle is a total wreck or just an old used car that no longer runs, they might be interested.

News and Other Notable Information

Like any long-standing business, Calamari Recycling Co. has had its share of news. One notable event was a large fire that broke out at their facility on January 6, 2016. It was a big deal, needing a lot of firefighters and even air quality checks by the state's environmental department. It shows they're a significant operation in the area.

Beyond that, they continue to be a key player in the automotive industry and local recycling efforts, providing valuable services for handling everything from manufacturing waste to old cars. They're helping Connecticut be a greener state by responsibly recycling huge amounts of metal. To learn more about how places like this help our planet, check out how junkyards help reduce waste.

Catch a Glimpse!

Want to see how some of this heavy machinery works in action? Check out this video (while keeping in mind every operation is a bit different):

Other Options Around Essex, CT

While Calamari Recycling Co. is a top-notch option in Essex, CT, for scrap metal recycling and junk cars, there aren't many other traditional junkyards or salvage yards right in Essex that sell individual parts. However, here are a couple of places further out that might offer auto recycling services if you're exploring all your options:

• Dean's Auto Recycling (location not fully specified, but presumably nearby) – focuses on auto recycling.
• Demco (362 Injun Hollow Rd, East Hampton, CT) – another option for automobile salvage.
• CT Scrap (33 Pequot Road, Uncasville, CT 06382) – a bit further away, but also handles scrap metal, including junk cars.

Remember, Calamari Recycling Co. is a great choice for turning your scrap metal into cash or getting rid of an old vehicle efficiently.

Common Questions About Calamari Recycling Co.

Here are some common questions folks ask about Calamari Recycling Co., and the answers to help you out:

1. What types of materials does Calamari Recycling accept?
   They accept a wide range of scrap metal, including stainless steel, copper, brass, steel, and aluminum. They work with everyone from individuals to big companies to recycle these metals.
2. What services does Calamari Recycling offer beyond scrap metal recycling?
   Besides recycling metal, they offer debris removal, construction and debris management, and provide roll-off containers for businesses. They can even create special plans for handling your scrap metal needs.
3. What is the history of Calamari Recycling Co.?
   This business has a long and proud history! It started all the way back in 1935 and is still a third-generation family-owned and operated business today.
4. What tools or equipment does Calamari Recycling use for its operations?
   They use heavy-duty equipment like crushers, shredders, magnetic separators (to sort metals), and various roll-off containers. They also have large cranes and loaders to handle big items like whole vehicles.
5. How does Calamari Recycling handle customer relationships and pricing?
   They focus on being top-notch when it comes to customer service and quality. They offer competitive pricing for scrap metal and aim for quick material pickups.
6. What is Calamari Recycling's reputation in the community?
   They have a strong reputation for being a reliable and quality business in the community. They even hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, which is pretty good!
7. What are the business hours and contact details for Calamari Recycling Co.?
   You can visit them Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM and on Saturdays from 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Their address is 20 Town Dump Road, Essex, CT 06426, and you can call them at 860-767-2267. You can find their best hours to visit a salvage yard right here.