How to Destroy a CD or DVD

Instructions on How to Destroy a CD or DVD

Before disposing of an old CD or DVD, there are several considerations you should take into account to ensure that the data on the disc is completely destroyed so that it can no longer be accessed.

Method 1: Physical Destruction

• Use some type of heavy object like a hammer or stone to physically crush the disc.
• Use a saw or sharp file to carefully cut the disc into several small pieces.
• Bend the disc until it snaps in half lengthwise or into several (3 or more) pieces.

Method 2: Heat-Based Destruction

• Use a lighter to carefully heat the disc until the plastic warps and melts into an unreadable form.
• Light the CD or DVD with a welding torch until it turns into a bubbling, melted mess.
• Lay the disc over an open flame such as a campfire until it melts.