Erasing data on a 2005 Macbook that won't start up

The easiest way might be to remove the hard disk drive and physically destroy it.

Apple used to provide the instructions for replacing hard disk drives, but they have been removed. An archived version for a very similar model MacBook can be found here. It's very simple. The method of destruction is up to you.

edpgsa Said:

"Erasing data on a 2005 Macbook that won't start up: I have a very old Macbook that won't start up and I want to recycle it. How can I erase any data on the hard drive?"

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Removing Data from a Device Without Power:

Take this to an AASP  (Apple Authorized Service Provider). See if they can remove the hard drive, and perform the transfer. It would be inserted into a toaster, and then they'd perform the erasure. See an AASP (Apple Authorized Service Provider) in your local area...

Contacting an AASP: 

1. Go Here: Find Locations - Apple Authorized Reseller
2. Click: Service & Support
3. Enter: your location information
4. See: if there is an AASP nearby
5. Contact: an AASP that shows up, and find out more about the services that they offer to fix the iPhone