The Natural Philosopher wrote
MM wrote
Andy Dingley wrote
Adam Funk wrote

On a related note, is there a good & easy way to destroy data CDs?
CDs or CD-ROMs?

If they're CD-ROMs, you can microwave them. You need to space them
apart if you're doing a batch (plastic toastrack, or else a $500
silicon wafer processing boat). You also need to do them for just
long enough to nuke the data layer, but without cooking the plastic
or there's a fume problem. For regular industrial use I was able to
use a cheap domestic microwave from Currys, but had to mod it with
a fixed timer and a single big push button.

CDs can't be nuked to reliably kill the data without getting them
hot enough to cause a fume problem. Shredding is easier, although
you do need a hefty shredder.

I do not understand this penchant for microwaving CDs! Toxic, extremely obnoxious fumes will be released.

Absolute bull****.

Yes.

You simply dont understand: you are rapidly heating the conductive
metallisation which arcs and splits apart without even getting the plastic hot.

It uses the properties of the microwave to put heat into conductors,

No, in fact they just bounce off those. Thats why alfoil on the
ends of say chicken chicken drumsticks stops the ends burning.

not into plastics. A couple of seconds is all it takes and there is no plastic melting or fumes.

Yes.

Do people just put up with the stench permeating their houses?

No,. they do it the way descrued

Crazy, when there are shredders
available for the price of a decent meal for two or a tankful of
fuel. You actually BOUGHT a new microwave, then modded it?!!
Risible, when you could have simply bought a shredder. Since I
bought mine, there are new models on the market that are
considerably cheaper (under 40 quid). It's a no-brainer.

No, using a microwave you already have on full power for a few seconds
is far cheaper, faster, uses less energy, creates no fumes and leaves
you with neat disposable platters totally undamaged except inside in
the data later itself

Yep.