There are also services that will extract the data from floppy disks for you. However, this can be costly.
Once you run a shredding program, the information on the disks will be gone for good. You can either repurpose the floppy disks or take them to an e-waste center. This only works if you have a drive for your floppy disks. It may be easier to take the disks apart and physically destroy them.
Neodymium magnets are extra-powerful magnets.
The smaller and more numerous the pieces, the better, as the pieces can be taped back together. Don’t worry about being gentle with the disk. You may need to be a little rough to open it up. Alternatively, after taking the disk apart, you can put the magnetic tape into a cross-cut shredder.
The fumes from burning floppy disks will be quite strong and toxic. It’s best to burn them outside so that you don’t breathe in the fumes too much. Stand up wind from the fire. Check local laws about burning trash on your property. Some places ban any trash burning, or limit what you can burn.
Most floppy disks can actually be reused. Many government programs still use floppy disks. The others are mostly sold for art projects.
Only dispose of your floppy disks if you are sure they don’t contain any sensitive or important information.
Your imagination is the limit when it comes to repurposing floppy disks.
