MM wrote
Lieutenant Scott wrote
Andrew Gabriel wrote
Adam Funk wrote

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.

Does anyone know if you can bust a microwave if there is nothing (or
not much to absorb like water) in it? Will it overheat as there's
several hundred watts of microwaves with nowhere to go but the dummy
load in the magnetron?

Don't worry! These people will just buy another microwave, then
another... and so on... Still, I suppose this group IS d-i-y, so some
people will try anything! From the web:

"The vapors or fumes released from most DVD's and CD's while
microwaving them are TOXIC. Do not do the above unless you have a
spare microwave, as the fumes can attach to the walls of the
microwave, or cling to your food."

Just because some ignorant fool claims something, doesnt make it gospel.

If you zap them for a second or 5 and dont get the plastic even warm, that doesnt happen.