How to Destroy a CD or DVD

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Some CD's or DVD's have personal or confidential information on them. Destruction of the discs is necessary for security reasons. If you have CD's or DVD's to destroy, then this article will help you.


Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Breakage and mutilation

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    Wrap the discs with plastic wrap and then fold it until it breaks. [1]
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    [2]
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    You can use a pair of scissors, but be careful as the foil will flake. [3]
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    Wrap the discs with a towel and use a kick or a hammer to destroy the disc. The towel is used to protect you.
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    Punch at least 12 holes on the discs.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Heat application

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    Place the disc into a microwave and set it for 5-10 seconds, or until you see sparks. The microwave cannot be used for food after that. [4]
    • Always use adult supervision when doing this step.
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    Do in a safe area using proper safety gear. The ground on which the CDs sit should be flameproof, such as concrete.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Wiping data

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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Destroying the surface

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    This does not work on all discs.
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    Use a belt sander on the top side of the disc. This should be done in an easy-to-clean area.
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    Soak a cotton pad in pure acetone, then wipe the bottom of the disc with it. It should become frosted and unreadable. [5]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I wipe a locked disk?
    Community Answer
    Unlock the disk, then wipe it; if you do not know the password, destroy it.
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  • Question
    If a DVD falls from a shelf would it be okay to use again? I was sorting DVDs yesterday morning, and got concerned when a couple fell off. They did bounce off my bed onto the floor, but it worried me.
    Community Answer
    As long as there are no broken pieces or scratches on the discs, they should be fine to use.
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  • Question
    I want to destroy a disc and hide the evidence. How do I do it without anyone realizing it was me?
    Denneisk
    Top Answerer
    Snap the disc using your hands while nobody is around and put it somewhere in your outside garbage bin or your local dumpster. If you can't do that, get a lighter and burn it along with paper to mask it.
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      Warnings

      • The vapors released from microwaving the discs are toxic. Use a microwave that you don't care about, because the microwave cannot be used for food after microwaving a disc with it.
        Thanks
        Helpful 43 Not Helpful 11
      • Children should not attempt to destroy a disc.
        Thanks
        Helpful 28 Not Helpful 15
      • Microwaving a disc can make the microwave smell unpleasant.
        Thanks
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      • Some microwaves could be damaged by a disc. You may reduce damage to the microwave by placing a glass of water in the microwave with the disc.
        Thanks
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      • It may still be possible to recover the disc's data after the disc has been microwaved or damaged in another way.
        Thanks
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      Things You'll Need

      • CD or DVD
      • Any of the following:
        • Towel
        • Scissors
        • Knife
        • Safety glasses
        • Gloves
        • Hammer
        • Blow torch
        • Disc shredder
        • Fire

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.clir.org/pubs/reports/pub121/sec5/
      2. ↑ https://www.nsa.gov/portals/75/documents/resources/everyone/media-destruction/NSAEPL%20Optical%20Destruction%20Devices%20%2011-06-18.pdf?ver=2018-12-12-122121-663
      3. ↑ https://www.nsa.gov/portals/75/documents/resources/everyone/media-destruction/NSAEPL%20Optical%20Destruction%20Devices%20%2011-06-18.pdf?ver=2018-12-12-122121-663
      4. ↑ https://www.clir.org/pubs/reports/pub121/sec5/
      5. ↑ https://www.clir.org/pubs/reports/pub121/sec5/

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