A cartridge for an optical data storage disc includes a monolithic shell and a sheet metal cover plate. The shell includes lateral walls and a floor that together define a cavity that holds an optical data storage disc. The cover plate is attached to the shell, with the cover plate abutting the top surfaces of the lateral walls of the shell. The optical disc is housed in the disc cavity, with the data side of the disc facing the cover plate. A sheet metal shutter is wrapped around an edge of the cartridge and is slideable between an open position, wherein a portion of the optical disc is exposed through a shutter window in the cover plate and a closed position wherein the shutter overlies the shutter window. The cartridge is very strong and is easy to fabricate. The use of sheet metal next to the data side of the optical disc allows the data on the disc to be read or recorded with a very short wavelength laser.