Disposal of writable DVD/CDs?

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lamarth

Limp Gawd
Joined
Sep 22, 2004
Messages
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I'm not sure where this sort of question would go - mods, please move it if necessary.....

I'm converting all my apps/files currently stored on CD-ROMs I've burned into DVDs. This created a rather large stack of CD-ROMs that I'd like to throw away - however I'd rather render them unreadable before tossing them in the trash.

I know I could break them- and I've tried it on one CD with rather messy results :rolleyes: Are there any other ways these can be rendered unreadable?

Any ideas would be appreciated- thanks!
 
First thought that springs to mind is a sheet metal bender -- the type where you put your metal in, lock it down with a clamp, then pull a handle up. Put your CDs in, instead, in a row.

Another way would be to put them in a metal can, on concrete, pour in some PETROL, and throw a match in.

Me, I'd probably put them in some spindles and put the spindles into storage as longterm backup of dubious goodness.
 
you could scratch the label side with a screwdriver a few times. That will render the CD unreadable to all except a forensics expert.

You can nuke it in a microwave for 1-2 seconds (set it on a plate to avoid burning the bottom of the microwave). This method is guaranteed 100% secure.

Disclaimer: Do not do for more than 1-2 seconds or you can damage your microwave.
 
Breaking the CDs is still the "best" way to make them unreadable, but to minimize the pain on your hands, wear some gloves (and some goggles, if you think that you may get some CD shrapnel in your eyes) when you break them. I know that sounds silly, but I had to break a lot of CDs one day at work -- and burning them was NOT an available option. (Placing the CDs inside the trash can when you break them can also minimize how far the shrapnel flies when you break them....)

EDIT: Not that I find anything wrong with burning them....
 
tiraides said:
Breaking the CDs is still the "best" way to make them unreadable, but to minimize the pain on your hands, wear some gloves (and some goggles, if you think that you may get some CD shrapnel in your eyes) when you break them. I know that sounds silly, but I had to break a lot of CDs one day at work -- and burning them was NOT an available option. (Placing the CDs inside the trash can when you break them can also minimize how far the shrapnel flies when you break them....)
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But a CIA forensics expert could still retrieve data from the broken pieces. :D
 
i have a paper shredder that cuts cds/dvds in 4 long strips. i picked it up at office max.
 
microwave...not only destroys them, but makes a cool light show.
 
Someone makes a CD shredder that doesn't actually shred the discs, it just punches little holes in them.

1 hole in the center area of the disc would render it useless, so maybe makes giant stack, and drill through them?

Why not make a lamp out of them? Or wallpaper your walls/ceiling?
 
SarverSystems said:
Why not make a lamp out of them? Or wallpaper your walls/ceiling?
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I hung all my AOL CDs on strings around the roof with my Christmas lights one year. How was I to know the neighbors would be pissed off when the wind blowed them around shining the sun off of them like mirrors into the neighbors livingroom? :D
 
they make darn fine targets.. I give mine to a couple of friends that do much target shooting.. they love em
 
There are paper shredders that have slots for CD/DVD. Be advised, shredding CD/DVD's creates a freakin' mess man :)

If I'm not near my shredder, I just take scissors and make 4 or 5 long cuts across the disk. Ok if it's just to render them unreadable and it's not a classified situation.

Or, here's a better idea. Just take a used up 50 or 100CD spindle and pile them all on there, and stick it up on a closet shelf.

You never know when a DVD might fail, and you wish you still had that old CD!

-Larry
 
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Ya, I'm sorely tempted to order one myself.... looks fun..... :D

But actually I've also got empty spools sitting around- I might wind up picking out the ones with personal/important info on them and just simply saving those on a few spools, then burn the rest. I don't have to worry about making Xmas ornaments from those, my wife's already eyeballing them for that..... :eek:

The recycling idea is a good one, too- but it makes me wonder if the CDs could be recycled locally at a plastics recycler site rather than having to ship them......

TechLarry said:
I like it!

Just ordered one :)

While I archive my own personal CDs and DVDs, this will be great for destroying dozens of old corporate software cd's when they are out-dated.

-Larry
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Attach it to your dremel and put it at full speed facing in the garbage.
It's easy and alot of fun. :)
 
Take them to staples and ask to "test" their floor model shredder?

Tips for snapping the disks:
Use a sheet of paper or cardboard over the disk, so the shards go in the direction you want.

Yes the data is still there after snapping it, but the equipment required to read a broken disk is insane.

I find tin snips work better than sizzors.

Microwave is fun, but you only can do a couple at a time, i nuked a 100 stack of AOL disks to find the center ones were protected from damage.
 
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