How to Properly Dispose of Lava Lamps

Maybe your lava lamp once brightened up your college dorm. Perhaps it sat atop a wooden spool that once held industrial cables. Was a "Frampton Comes Alive" poster decorating your wall? Did you have beads as a door instead of an actual one? And how many fringes did your leather jacket boast back then? Now, as a more grown-up version of yourself, sporting jackets crafted from sustainable materials and doors with proper knobs, you're probably wondering how to dispose of that old lava lamp.

The exact formula for the substances inside a lava lamp remains a closely guarded secret. However, the original patent for the first lava lamp included materials like: "solidified globule of mineral oil, paraffin, dye, as well as paraffin wax or petroleum jelly, preferably Ondina 17 with light paraffin, carbon tetrachloride, a dye, and paraffin wax or petroleum jelly." While manufacturers insist that the material inside is non-hazardous, they provide a poison hotline number for safety. So, it's probably best not to drink it, at the very least.

Here are the recommended safety precautions:

If ingested: DO NOT induce vomiting! Seek immediate medical assistance.

If the substance contacts eyes directly:  

Rinse the affected eye with a continuous stream of water for 15 minutes, then seek medical attention.

If the substance contacts skin directly: 

Thoroughly clean the affected area with soap and water. Immediately remove and wash any contaminated clothing. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.

[b]For nausea or headaches caused by the odor: 

Step outside to breathe in fresh air. If symptoms continue, seek medical help.

For specific health information, contact the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center at 303-739-1110 or visit their website at www.rmpdc.org.

However, heating a lava lamp on the stove can lead to an explosion, which may be fatal. Mythbusters featured a segment about this danger.

[b]How to Dispose of Lava Lamps:

I contacted a lava lamp company to ask about disposal methods. They informed me that I could wrap the lamp in newspaper and toss it in the trash as it's non-toxic. However, they advised against pouring the liquid down the sink due to the wax inside. If the lamp is still functional, donate it to a thrift store. If it’s broken, recycle the plastic and glass components. The electronic parts can be disposed of as e-waste. The waxy liquid should be wrapped in newspaper and thrown away in the dumpster.

[b]Repurpose: Fish Tank:

After cleaning it thoroughly, you can repurpose your lava lamp as a fish tank. If the tank is small, make sure to select fish that don’t require much aeration, or you'll need to clean the tank more frequently.

Whether you're searching for eco-friendly renovation ideas or ways to repurpose nearly anything, check out tips from Planet Green Home & Garden.