How can I erase hard disk if SuperDrive is broken (OS 10.6.8)? I have an old MacBook running OS 10.6.8 which I want to recycle, but its internal SuperDrive doesn't work, so I can't use the install disk to do it.  I tried plugging in Apple's external USB SuperDrive which I bought when I upgraded to a MacBook Pro which has no internal SuperDrive, but the external SuperDrive doesn't accept the disc; it's as if the old MacBook doesn't recognize the external drive.  I'm thus at a loss as to how to proceed to wipe the hard disk.
You should try to create a bootable USB stick with some kind of recovery LiveCD (Ubuntu, BackTrack, ...)

I recommend using Ubuntu because it is the easiest to create.

There is a little tutorial on Ubuntu's website: http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/create-a-usb-stick-on-mac-osx 
(If you Have trouble be sure to ask a question on AskUbuntu)

After you have a recovery usb wipe the disk using your favorite tool. I found a nice tutorial on 'How to geek', but it's a bit outdated.
(Tip: download wipe from the software center, not from synaptic)