On 2012-03-07, Andrew Gabriel wrote:

In article ,
Adam Funk writes:
On a related note, is there a good & easy way to destroy data CDs?
The shredders I've come across with CD slots just scratch the surfaces
up a bit rather than break them into bits.

I had a large pile, and didn't like the idea of feeding them
all through the microwave, in case it damaged it.

I did for them on the gas hob - A few seconds over the
burner for each one (held by pliers), and they're wrecked.
The smell is pretty bad though - need to open the window.

The smell (along with whatever else is in the fumes) is one reason I
don't like the microwave idea. (I keep my microwave oven in the
house.)

How much would burning a pile of these (let's say an A4 copy paper box
full) outdoors stink up & irritate the neighbourhood?