Quick Tips for the Dental Office
}
Waste Management
Waste Management
The practice of dentistry involves the generation of both hazardous and regulated medical waste ; some wastewater discharges may also be of concern . Dental office personnel should be aware of the types of waste produced in the dental office and how to properly handle and dispose of these wastes . PDA recommends both the reduction and recycling of wastes as preferred waste management practices . For additional information about proper waste disposal and recycling information , please see PDA ’ s Waste Management Guidelines .
Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste regulations are usually enforced at the state level . Waste is determined to be hazardous if it is listed on one of EPA ’ s four lists found in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations , Section 261 , or if it displays one or more of the following characteristics :
• Ignitability – easily combustible or flammable
• Corrosivity – high or low pH , dissolves metals or other materials , or burn skin
• Reactivity – undergoes violent chemical reaction with water or other materials
• Toxicity – harmful when ingested , inhaled or absorbed ; includes heavy metals and certain organic compounds
Hazardous waste must be transported by a licensed transporter and disposed of at an approved facility .
Examples of hazardous materials commonly used in the dental office include :
• Mercury and silver used in making amalgam
• Lead found in lead-foil packets and lead shields
• Silver found in X-ray fixer solutions
• Formaldehyde , acetones and ketones found in chemiclave chemicals
Hazardous materials that are recycled are not considered hazardous waste . Depending on how you choose to handle hazardous materials or hazardous wastes , always contact the recycling , transportation or disposal facility for packaging , handling and shipping requirements .
2021