I’m trying to erase the hard drive on my very old Mac laptop (15 yrs) and I keep getting this error. Can anyone help me out?

AARRRGHHHH!!!!

I think I'm just gonna take a hammer or drill to it. All I wanted to do is erase the dang thing and then take it to be recycled, but dumb old me accidentally unplugged it, from the computer side, and now it won't start back up. 😖 🤬 I had to go and fiddle around with other stuff on the desk and hit the damn cord.

@see_the_sus
* Put it on a newer computer that works and do a low level format
* Take it to an electronics recycler you trust to chop up the platters so data is irretrievable
* Your idea, hammer. Safety glasses

@walterbays

The only place I can take e-waste to and not have to pay a fee is Staples.
I think I have safety glasses.

@see_the_sus The University of San Diego used to take e-waste. They'd repair and donate to schools whatever they could, and securely destroy and recycle everything else. Loved them! But they stopped 😥

State law says all batteries must be recycled and many places used to accept them. Then instead of giving them a tiny subsidy they started charging them money and now nobody takes them.

@walterbays

Oh FFS! 😡 It's all so damn ridiculous.

Indy had a pretty decent free e-waste program but here in Albuquerque, the city charges. I found out about Staples' recycling program thru my brother and turns out they take darn near anything. I've got a bunch of markers & pens that have dried up on me so I'll take those to there.