Can I delete hard drive data on dead macbook air?

Question

I have a mid 2012 macbook air running Mavericks. Well, it used to run Mavericks. Water damage got to the logic board and now the computer does not boot (as diagnosed by Apple). I want to sell the computer, since I can still get a decent amount for it as is. But, I am worried that the information on the hard drive will be vulnerable once the new owner fixes it. I do have a password to my user account. But, I assume that some people could get around that pretty easy and get to my data.
My question: what are my options for purging my hard drive before selling? If they aren't any good options, I will just trash (recycle) it.
Thank you for the help!

Answer 1

So to remove the drive you'll need a special tool, a pentalobe screwdriver:
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Air+13-Inch+Mid+2012+Battery+Replacement/10 950
iFixIt sells that screwdriver:
https://www.ifixit.com/Tools/MacBook-Air-5-Point-Pentalobe-Screwdriver/IF145-090 -3
Also here's my standard blurb about a liquid incident:
"Whenever a liquid spill occurs the first thing that has to happen is the laptop should be shut down immediately. All power must be removed as soon as possible.
It is especially important that the battery be disconnected and removed.
No attempt should be made to start/restart the computer since this could potentially damage the logic board beyond all repair.
All affected parts must be removed from the laptop and carefully and closely inspected. Any involved area should be marked for special treatment.
Then all affected parts would be washed in deionized water and blown dry with compressed air. (In a water spill the deionized water is probably not as critical. Depends on the mineral content of the water.).
This is especially true of the large chips on the logic board. Liquid can wick under them and cause havoc for weeks if not months and years after the incident, depends on the liquid..
The logic board should be placed in a drying/dehumidifing oven for at least two days. Longer depending on the spill.The keyboard is a separate matter."