Amazon doesn't do SSD VMs for $5 a month... If you are beginner you are using the Web GUI which clearly states you need to click the box to securely wipe all the data (which has a cost associated with it) if you are using the API then you should RTFM (Read the F Manual) if you build a service on top of the API then it is the service's fault for not including (which is what the gist is about)