There's a scrap man down this way who, of about five years ago, got the setup to extract gold from such nicknaks. I've no idea if this is good in the balance in of living - I'd be awaiting someone better read up on it to comment - but at least your giving it direct to chap who'll profit
If I'm going to destroy a bunch of old hard drives. Where's the best place (environmentally speaking) to take the bits?