What to Do With an Old Lava Lamp? Disposing of a Lava Lamp

If you think lava lamps are old-fashioned, think again. Lava lamps, like anything else, wear out and eventually break. When it comes to getting rid of lava lamps, how do you do it? Is there anything more you need to do?

The quick answer is that it all depends on the lava lamp you have.

What to Do With an Old Lava Lamp – Safely Dispose of Lava Lamp

The great majority of lava lamps may be thrown away without posing any danger. The technique that is both the simplest and the most secure way to get rid of it is to wrap it in newspaper and then toss it away. This will accomplish both goals. 

Always verify with the manufacturer of your lava lamp before using it. Lava lamps may be fussy. To keep yourself safe, you must know which brands and manufacturers employ specific parts and materials. Make it a point to give the first things that they say considerable thought. Please make sure this happens.

Even though lava lamps are constructed from various components, it is perfectly fine to dispose of them in the trash regularly. The following are some of the ways lava lamps may be disposed of appropriately:

If you still have the original box, you should return the lava lamp to the company in that box after repackaging it with some additional Styrofoam cushioning. If the glass has been broken, you should probably wrap it in newspaper before disposing of it just in case it continues to be dangerous. Examine the bulbs to verify whether they still emit the correct amount of light. If keeping this object relieves you, you should consider getting rid of it on your own.

The Cable Should Be Wrapped Around The Bottom

Toss the whole lava lamp in your ordinary garbage bin when you’re done with it. Do not dispose of the lava lamp in the trash. The most critical step in properly disposing of a lava lamp is to wrap it securely. Breaking the glass might result in liquid spilling out all over.

Don’t break the seal or empty the lava while dismantling a lava lamp. Lava lamp liquid must be properly disposed of. A drain is the last place you should put it. See the particular instructions below if you wish to keep or recycle certain pieces of the lava lamps, or if your lava lamp has broken.

How Do You Empty a Lava Lamp?

You may be wondering what to do with the surplus lava if you’ve opted to recycle or reuse the glass elements of your lava lamp. It’s not okay to flush it down the toilet! Regardless of whose manufacturer you purchased your lamp from, it had wax as a component. The lava lamp’s ability to produce light is due to the wax melting (more on that here).

While it’s possible to melt the wax before pouring it into a container, doing so will cause the container to get jammed. Prepare to contact a plumber if you flush the excess wax and liquid down the drain! Instead, place the dried wax in a garbage receptacle after it has been wrapped in newspaper. It’s out of your hands, and the landfill will dispose of it in a safe manner.

You’ll need to open the top to remove the wax. Different types of lamps have different methods for doing this. It’s not uncommon for lights to have bottle tops attached. You’ll need a bottle opener to remove the cap in this situation. In most cases, you’ll be able to remove most of the water.

Another kind of light has a glass top that requires more effort. Drilling a tiny hole at the top may be required. The liquid may then be drained. Please be aware of the dangers of working with glass and wax. Chemicals are still present in the “lava,” despite the fact that it is non-toxic. If a lava lamp has recently been plugged in, avoid handling it.

It’s Time To Throw Out The Glass

It’s possible to reuse the glass after getting rid of the wax and water in the lava lamp. Go to a recycling facility or put it in your garbage can. To avoid having to start again if your lava lamp’s glass cracks (a good excuse to get rid of it), here are some alternative steps you may take.

A bigger container may be used to collect all the shattered glass. Take the clean glass to the recycling center if it’s all there is. Always wear gloves and be careful near lava lamps or shattered glass, which might contain flammable liquids. There is no harm in playing it safe.

Bulbs: What to Do with Them

Due to its wiring and electricity, a light bulb can’t be recycled, even if it is composed of glass. You may, however, dispose of it in the garbage. Make sure the lightbulb is out before you toss it out. Regular light bulbs may be used to power lava lamps. You may be able to find a purpose for it!

It is best to dispose of the lightbulb in your ordinary garbage can. So wrap it up before throwing it away so that the glass doesn’t shatter.

What to Do with the Base?

Lava lamps have a plastic or metal base and a wired tip. The base can’t be reused or recycled. Haiti, on the other hand, is capable. It’s perfectly OK to throw away the cap along with the rest of your metal recycling. It’s time to get rid of your old lava lamp by throwing away the base!

Frequently Asked Questions/FAQs

Are Lava Lamps Safe to Throw Away?

Make sure the lightbulb is dead before the light goes to a charity shop if it still works. Recycle the plastic and/or glass pieces if they are shattered. It is possible to dispose of the electronic components together with other types of electronic trash. The sticky lava material should be wrapped in newspaper and thrown away in the trash can.

Is It Dangerous To Dispose Of Lava Lamps?

Toxic substances may be present in the lava lamp’s liquid. At a domestic hazardous waste collection facility, you may drop off your lava lamps for no charge at all.

Are Lava Lamps Hazardous Waste?

There is a possibility that the liquid within lava lamps contains hazardous substances. At a location that accepts home hazardous garbage, lava lamps may be discarded in a cost-free manner.

Conclusion

It could not be easy to get rid of lava lights. Before trying to empty or get rid of a lava lamp, it is in your best interest to take the necessary safeguards for your safety. Seeking the advice of an experienced person or having a conversation with the company or authorized dealer who is connected with the sale of the light is the wisest thing to do. Alternatively, you may look into the availability of online resources.